Ultrafine, Dual-Phase, Cation-Deficient PrBa<sub>0.8</sub>Ca<sub>0.2</sub>Co<sub>2</sub>O<sub>5+δ</sub> Air Electrode for Efficient Solid Oxide Cells
Zhongwei Yue, Lizhen Jiang, Zhiyi Chen, Na Ai, Yuanfeng Zou, San Ping Jiang, Chengzhi Guan, Xin Wang, Yanqun Shao, Huihuang Fang, Yu Luo, Kongfa Chen
Abstract
Nanostructured air electrodes play a crucial role in improving the electrocatalytic activity of oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in solid oxide cells (SOCs). Herein, we report the fabrication of a nanostructured BaCoO 3 -decorated cation-deficient PrBa 0.8 Ca 0.2 Co 2 O 5+δ (PBCC) air electrode via a combined modification and direct assembly approach. The modification approach endows the dual-phase air electrode with a large surface area and abundant oxygen vacancies. An intimate air electrode–electrolyte interface is in situ constructed with the formation of a catalytically active Co 3 O 4 bridging layer via electrochemical polarization. The corresponding single cell exhibits a peak power density of 2.08 W cm –2, an electrolysis current density of 1.36 A cm –2 at 1.3 V, and a good operating stability at 750 °C for 100 h. This study provides insights into the rational design and facile utilization of an active and stable nanostructured air electrode of SOCs.