Understanding electrocatalytic activity of titanium and samarium doped ceria as anode material for solid oxide fuel cells

In the present work, titanium and samarium doped ceria (Ce0.73Ti0.07Sm0.2O2-delta, (STDC)) is evaluated as potential anode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The anode and electrolyte (Ce0.8Sm0.2O2-delta, (SDC20)) materials are synthesized using urea combustion method. The desired phase formed is confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The textural study is performed using Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method. STDC shows nearly 4 times enhancement in surface area and higher mesopores compared with SDC20. The effect of titanium on chemical environment of cerium is investigated using Xray Photoelectron Spectroscopy. Both + 3 and + 4 valence states of cerium exist, which indicate high oxygen non-stoichiometry present in the synthesized samples. The morphological features are investigated using Scanning Electron Microscopy/High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy. Electrolyte supported cell is fabricated using cold-pressing and spin coating of electrode and co-firing of cell. Fuel cell tests with 5 % H2 (95 % N2) as a fuel demonstrate Ce0.73Ti0.07Sm0.2O2-delta-NiO as a potential anode material for IT-SOFCs.

Automated summary

This study evaluates titanium and samarium doped ceria as potential anode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells. The synthesized materials are characterized in terms of phase, texture, chemical environment, and morphology. The results confirm the potential of the material as an anode material for IT-SOFCs.