Ce0.6Mn0.3Fe0.1O2-δ as an Alternative Cathode Material for High Temperature Steam Electrolysis Using LaGaO3-based Oxide Electrolyte

•We applied Ce0.6Mn0.3Fe0.1O2-δ (CMF) as an oxide cathode with LaGaO3 electrolyte for steam electrolysis.•CMF cathode showed similar cathodic overpotential with Ni-SDC.•H2 formation rate was well-performed by following Faraday’s law.•CMF presents good phase stability, no significant aggregation and delamination were noticed during the electrolysis process.

Ce0.6Mn0.3Fe0.1O2-δ (CMF) has been used as a new oxide cathode of solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) using LaGaO3-based electrolyte for H2 production under a feeding gas composition of 20%steam/1%H2/79%Ar. CMF cathode exhibits good electrolysis performance and well-performed hydrogen production rate with the Faraday’s law at 1173-973 K. Through impedance measurement under a DC polarized condition, the studies show that polarization resistance and ohmic resistance decreased with increasing DC bias potential. Furthermore, CMF showed good stability, and no significant aggregation and delamination were noticed during the electrolysis measurement. These results suggest that CMF can be a promising oxide cathode candidate for intermediate temperature SOEC.