Exceptionally stable nanostructured air electrodes for reversible solid oxide fuel cells via crystallization-assisted infiltration

Nanostructures present favorable prospects of manufacturing high-performing air electrodes for reversible solid oxide fuel cells (RSOFCs) with the potential to reduce their operating temperature. Here, we present trichloro-acetic acid as an original infiltration agent for the facile nanoengineering of RSOFC electrodes. The new process relies on the thermal decomposition of trichloroacetic acid in water at temperatures above 70 degrees C, which causes intense CO2 effervescence and crystallizes out the metal ions in the solution as slightly soluble carbonates. Essentially, this allows for the subsequent infiltration step to be performed immediately after drying, as opposed to conventional infiltration, which requires high-temperature calcination after each infiltration step. The anode -supported RSOFC consisting of a nanostructured LaCoO3 air electrode permitted smooth switching between fuel cell and electrolysis cell modes with no evidence of degradation. In addition, the RSOFC presented exceedingly durable performance during accelerated stability tests.

Automated summary

Researchers have developed a new infiltration agent to manufacture high-performing air electrodes with nanostructures for solid oxide fuel cells, which can potentially reduce the operating temperature. The new process involves the thermal decomposition of trichloroacetic acid in water, causing metal ions in the solution to crystallize out as slightly soluble carbonates. This eliminates the need for high-temperature calcination after each infiltration step, resulting in improved performance and durability during stability tests.