Pr2NiO4+delta for Cathode in Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells

Abstract

To improve the polarization property of cathodes, which is the main factor limiting the performance of protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs), K2NiF4-type Pr2NiO4+delta, which is expected to exhibit a triple conducting property (proton, oxygen ion, and hole conductions) was applied to PCFCs and its properties were investigated. Low-temperature microwave heat-treatment was used to achieve both sufficient interface adhesion between the electrolyte and the cathode layers and suppression of the secondary phase formation due to migration of elements such as barium and cerium. Through this fabrication method, a high performance of 0.82 W.cm(-2) and low ohmic resistance of 0.06 Omega.cm(2) were obtained in an Ni-BaCe0.55Zr0.3Y0.15O3-delta vertical bar BaCe0.55Zr0.3Y0.15O3-delta vertical bar Pr2NiO4+delta single cell at 650 degrees C. This result verifies that the K2NiF4+delta-type cathode shows good chemical compatibility which, in turn, will make it a potent candidate as a PCFC cathode.