Functionalized Metal-Supported Reversible Protonic Ceramic Cells with Exceptional Performance and Durability

Reversible protonic ceramic cells (RePCCs) are limited by several factors, including high cost, poor stability, and insufficient fuel electrode activity toward fuel oxidization/generation reactions. Herein, a novel Ni-Fe metal-supported RePCC (MS-RePCC) to address these issues simultaneously is proposed. Specifically, the Ni-Fe support possesses good mechanical strength and thermal compatibility with cermet-based electrodes/electrolytes, ensuring a facile cell fabrication and robust durability. Density functional theory calculations suggest that Fe in the Ni-Fe support enhances the fuel electrode functional layer by providing additional and more active sites for the electrocatalytic reactions. The as-fabricated MS-RePCC at 700 degrees C achieves an excellent peak power density (PPD) of 586mWcm(-2) and an electrolysis current of -428mAcm(-2) (at 1.3V). Furthermore, the cell is exceptionally stable, as evidenced by 930h of fuel cell operation with ultralow degradation (approximate to 0.78%kh(-1)), and much better than an analogous anode-supported cell (approximate to 17.78%kh(-1)). In addition, the cell is stable for 50h of reversible fuel cell/electrolyzer cycling, further demonstrating the potential of this MS-RePCC. This article proposes a simple and new approach to enhance the electrochemical activity and durability of RePCC, thereby accelerating the commercialization of this technology.

Automated summary

This article proposes a novel metal-supported RePCC (MS-RePCC) as a solution to the high cost, poor stability, and insufficient activity of fuel electrodes. The use of a Ni-Fe support enhances the functionality of the fuel electrode and improves the overall performance and durability of the cell. Experimental and theoretical results demonstrate the excellent performance and stability of the MS-RePCC, making it a promising technology for commercialization.