A single-component fuel cell reactor

We report here a single-component reactor consisting of a mixed ionic and semi-conducting material exhibiting hydrogen-air (oxygen) fuel cell reactions. The new single-component device was compared to a conventional three-component (anode/electrolyte/cathode) fuel cell showing at least as good performance. A maximum power density of 300–600 mW cm−2 was obtained with a LiNiZn-oxide and ceria-carbonate nanocomposite material mixture at 450–550 °C. Adding a redox catalyst element (Fe) resulted in an improvement reaching 700 mW cm−2 at 550 °C.

► A single-component reactor is constructed by using mixed ionic and semi conductors. ► The performance of single-component reactor is better than conventional fuel cell. ► A power density of 700 mW cm−2 is achieved by single-component reactor at 550 °C. ► A reaction mechanism of single-component reactor is suggested.