Promoted electrocatalytic activity and ionic transport simultaneously in dual functional Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe0.8Sb0.2O3-δ-Sm0.2Ce0.8O2-δ heterostructure

Structural doping is often used to prepare materials with high oxygen-ion conductivity and electrocatalytic function, but its wider application in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is still a major challenge. Here, a novel approach to developing materials with fast ionic conduction and high electrocatalytic activity is reported. A semiconductor-ionic heterostructure of perovskite Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe0.8Sb0.2O3-delta (BSFSb) and fluorite structure Sm0.2Ce0.8O2-delta (SDC) is developed. The BSFSb-SDC heterostructure exhibits a high ionic conductivity >0.1 S cm(-1) (vs 0.01 S cm(-1) of SDC) and achieves a remarkable fuel cell performance (>1000 mWcm(-2)) at 550 degrees C. It was found that the BSFSb-SDC has both electrolyte and electrode (cathode) functions with enhanced ionic transport and electrocatalytic activity simultaneously. When using BSFSb-SDC as an electrolyte, the interface energy-band reconstruction and charge transfer at particle level forming a built-in electric field (BIEF) and it make electronic confinement. The BIEF originates from the potential gradient due to differences in the electron density of BSFSb and SDC particles/grains facilitates ionic conduction at the interface of the BSFSb and SDC particles. This work provides a new insight in designing functional materials with high ionic conductivity and electrocatalytic function, which can be used both for energy conversion and storage device.

Automated summary

A novel approach to develop materials with fast ionic conduction and high electrocatalytic activity through a semiconductor-ionic heterostructure of BSFSb and SDC has been reported, showing remarkable fuel cell performance at 550 degrees C. It was found that the BSFSb-SDC heterostructure has enhanced ionic transport and electrocatalytic activity simultaneously, providing new insights for designing functional materials for energy conversion and storage devices.