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Sintering-induced cation displacement in protonic ceramics and way for its suppression

Author

Listed:
  • Ze Liu

    (Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yufei Song

    (The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology)

  • Xiaolu Xiong

    (Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Yuxuan Zhang

    (Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jingzeng Cui

    (Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Jianqiu Zhu

    (Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Lili Li

    (Shandong University)

  • Jing Zhou

    (Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Chuan Zhou

    (College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University)

  • Zhiwei Hu

    (Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids)

  • Guntae Kim

    (Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Francesco Ciucci

    (University of Bayreuth)

  • Zongping Shao

    (Curtin University)

  • Jian-Qiang Wang

    (Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Linjuan Zhang

    (Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

Abstract

Protonic ceramic fuel cells with high efficiency and low emissions exhibit high potential as next-generation sustainable energy systems. However, the practical proton conductivity of protonic ceramic electrolytes is still not satisfied due to poor membrane sintering. Here, we show that the dynamic displacement of Y3+ adversely affects the high-temperature membrane sintering of the benchmark protonic electrolyte BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δ, reducing its conductivity and stability. By introducing a molten salt approach, pre-doping of Y3+ into A-site is realized at reduced synthesis temperature, thus suppressing its further displacement during high-temperature sintering, consequently enhancing the membrane densification and improving the conductivity and stability. The anode-supported single cell exhibits a power density of 663 mW cm−2 at 600 °C and long-term stability for over 2000 h with negligible performance degradation. This study sheds light on protonic membrane sintering while offering an alternative strategy for protonic ceramic fuel cells development.

Suggested Citation

  • Ze Liu & Yufei Song & Xiaolu Xiong & Yuxuan Zhang & Jingzeng Cui & Jianqiu Zhu & Lili Li & Jing Zhou & Chuan Zhou & Zhiwei Hu & Guntae Kim & Francesco Ciucci & Zongping Shao & Jian-Qiang Wang & Linjua, 2023. "Sintering-induced cation displacement in protonic ceramics and way for its suppression," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-43725-x
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43725-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yuan Zhang & Bin Chen & Daqin Guan & Meigui Xu & Ran Ran & Meng Ni & Wei Zhou & Ryan O’Hayre & Zongping Shao, 2021. "Thermal-expansion offset for high-performance fuel cell cathodes," Nature, Nature, vol. 591(7849), pages 246-251, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Haobo Li & Yicheng Zhu & Zihan Zhao & Ruixin Ma & Jiachen Lu & Wenjie Wan & Qianli Chen, 2025. "Mid-infrared light resonance-enhanced proton conductivity in ceramics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-11, December.

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