High performing BaCe0.8Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ-Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-δ based protonic ceramic fuel cell

The electrochemical performances of a composite cathode consisted of Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-δ and BaCe0.8Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ coated onto a BaCe0.8Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ-based half-cell are evaluated in the intermediate temperature range 600-700 °C. Powders for the manufacture of anode substrate and electrolyte are commercial products, whereas a glycine-nitrate process is used to synthesize the cathode material. The complete cell is manufactured by wet chemical routes, using the combination of tape-casting for the anode substrate NiO-BaCe0.8Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ and wet powder spraying for the elaboration of the electrolyte BaCe0.8Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ and air electrode Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-δ-BaCe0.8Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ. Thin electrolytes and porous electrodes are successfully elaborated for a cell size of 3 × 3 cm2. A high open circuit voltage of 1.11 V at 600 °C indicates an excellent gas-tightness of the protonic ceramic electrolyte. A maximum power density of 370-530 mW cm−2 in the range 600-700 °C is measured validating Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-δ material as promising cathode for protonic-based cells.