Rapid electrochemical method enhances solid
oxide fuel cell electrodes, reducing polarization resistance and
boosting peak power density
BUSAN, South
Korea, July 19, 2024
/PRNewswire/ -- Improving the efficiency of solid oxide fuel
cells (SOFCs) is crucial for advancing clean energy technologies.
Researchers from Korea have developed a rapid, practical method to
deposit a praseodymium oxide (PrOx) layer on
lanthanum strontium manganite–yttria-stabilized zirconia
(LSM–YSZ) composite electrodes. This PrOx coating
significantly enhances oxygen reduction and boosts electrode
performance, reducing polarization resistance by 89% and increasing
reliability and efficiency in energy production.
Rising global demand for clean energy drives
advancements in technologies like SOFCs, known for converting
hydrogen and methane into emission-free electricity. SOFCs rely on
key components: electrodes (cathode and anode) and the electrolyte,
which are essential for converting chemical energy into electrical
energy. These components are typically made from materials like
lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM) and yttria-stabilized zirconia
(YSZ). Combining LSM and YSZ to form LSM-YSZ enhances stability and
durability, ensuring a prolonged electrode lifespan.
Current SOFC technology faces challenges, notably
electrode degradation, exacerbated at lower temperatures. Enhancing
the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the cathode is crucial for
improving ion flow and overall fuel cell performance and
durability. Addressing these issues is vital for expanding SOFC
applications in energy conversion systems.
To address current challenges, a team of
researchers led by Professor Beom-Kyeong
Park recently conducted a study aimed at enhancing the
performance of LSM–YSZ electrodes in SOFCs. Their research,
available online since March 22,
2024, and published in Volume 36 of the Journal of
Advanced Materials on June 20,
2024, focused on improving LSM–YSZ electrodes using
nanocatalysts such as praseodymium oxide (PrOx). These
catalysts, known for their high surface area-to-volume ratios, were
employed to enhance the efficiency of the ORR.
Using cathodic electrochemical deposition (CELD),
the research team efficiently deposited PrOx nanocatalysts onto
LSM-YSZ electrodes in less than four minutes without requiring heat
treatment. Prof. Park highlighted the significance, stating, "We
harness the outstanding catalytic properties of PrOx to
notably enhance the ORR activity of LSM–YSZ electrodes. The CELD
method provides a rapid and cost-effective solution, feasible under
standard operating conditions."
The study demonstrated significant enhancements
in SOFC electrode performance with PrOx coating, showing
an 89% resistance reduction at high temperatures sustained over 400
hours. Achieving 418 mW cm−2 peak power density at 650°C
surpassed other cathodes. Research also explored
(Pr,Ce)Ox multicomponent coatings via electrochemical
deposition, offering avenues for further optimization.
Prof. Park emphasizes the far-reaching
implications of their research, stating, "By significantly
enhancing electrode performance and durability, our method could
pave the way for wider adoption of SOFCs in energy conversion and
storage systems. This advancement holds immense promise for
applications requiring reliable and sustainable power generation.
It offers a pathway to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and
enhance global energy security."
This innovative approach to creating
high-performance energy devices, including all-ceramic materials,
presents a promising future for clean energy technology.
Reference
Title of original paper:
Revitalizing Oxygen Reduction Reactivity of Composite Oxide
Electrodes via Electrochemically Deposited PrOx Nanocatalysts
Journal: Advanced materials
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202307286
About the institute
Website:
https://www.pusan.ac.kr/eng/Main.do
Media Contact:
Jae-Eun Lee
82 51 510 7928
380568@email4pr.com
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SOURCE Pusan National University