A self-assembled composite cathode with enhanced activity and stability for protonic ceramic fuel cells

Enhancing protonic ceramic fuel cells could facilitate the achievement of carbon reduction targets. Developing highly catalytic active and stable cathodes operating within a low-temperature range is crucial to ensure efficient and reliable stacks. A naturally occurring composite oxygen electrode material exhibiting triple conductivity (O2-/H+/e(-)) was obtained through a one-step synthesis process. This exceptional electrode material is selfconstructed by Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.1W0.1O3-delta (BSCFW) during the calcination process. It comprises a single perovskite phase of Ba1-xSrxCo1-yFeyO3-delta phase with high bulk oxygen conductivity and a double perovskite phase SrFeWO6+delta with good mixed oxygen and electron conductivity, the interface between these two phase and the high proton-conducting phase of the BZCYYb in the cathode ensures triple conductivity, thus boosting the overall oxygen reduction reaction catalytic activity. The cell with BSCFW and BZCYYb as the oxygen electrode yields a remarkable power density of 630 mW cm(-2) and robust stability over 60 h at 700 degrees C. This research contributes to the development of high-activity and stable catalysts for energy and environmental applications.