Y-doped BaCeO3−δ nanopowders as proton-conducting electrolyte materials for ethane fuel cells to co-generate ethylene and electricity

Y-doped BaCeO3−δ (BCY) powders synthesized using a combustion method are pure perovskite phases. The particles are uniform spherical particles about 50 nm. The properties of BCY proton-conducting electrolyte sintered at different temperatures from pressed nanopowders were systematically investigated. Dense BCY pellets are obtained at temperatures higher than 1400 °C for 10 h. Electrical conductivity and resistance to CO2 atmosphere each increase with sintering temperature. Fuel cells having about 0.8 mm thick BCY electrolyte and Pt electrodes co-produce 151 mW cm−2 electrical power and value-added ethylene with selectivity over 90% at ethane conversion about 35% at 700 °C.