Characteristics of nano-structured SFM infiltrated onto YSZ backbone for symmetrical and reversible solid oxide cells

The use of active perovskite material as both the cathode and anode in reversible solid oxide cells (RSOCs) is of increasing interest. In this work, a nominated Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6−δ (SFM) is deposited onto porous Y0.16Zr0.84O2−δ (yttria-stabilized zirconia) backbone via an infiltration process. The apparent conductivity and conductivity of the infiltrated SFM are investigated at 600-750 °C, towarding a series of infiltration loadings, which increase with the SFM loading. However, the area specific resistance shows the lowest value, e.g., 0.153 Ω cm2 at an optimal loading of 9.53 wt% in 1:1 CO-CO2 while 0.064 Ω cm2 at 11.67 wt% in air. In fuel cell mode, the two corresponding cells exhibit good performance that the maximum power densities are 218 and 265 mW cm−2, respectively. In electrolysis mode, the current densities show 0.573 and 0.618 A cm−2 when 1.5 V is applied. These results reveal that SFM would be promising as RSOC electrodes.