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Conformally coated scaffold design using water-tolerant Pr1.8Ba0.2NiO4.1 for protonic ceramic electrochemical cells with 5,000-h electrolysis stability

Author

Listed:
  • Hanchen Tian

    (West Virginia University
    Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Wei Li

    (West Virginia University)

  • Yueh-Lin Lee

    (National Energy Technology Laboratory
    NETL Support Contractor)

  • Hongkui Zheng

    (University of California)

  • Qingyuan Li

    (West Virginia University)

  • Liang Ma

    (West Virginia University
    Hebei University of Engineering)

  • Debangsu Bhattacharyya

    (West Virginia University)

  • Xiujuan Chen

    (West Virginia University)

  • Dawei Zhang

    (University of California San Diego)

  • Guosheng Li

    (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

  • Yi Wang

    (West Virginia University)

  • Li Li

    (University of Bayreuth)

  • Qingsong Wang

    (University of Bayreuth)

  • Fang Xia

    (Murdoch University)

  • Muhammet Kartal

    (Murdoch University)

  • Zhuozhao Shao

    (Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Matthew R. Rowles

    (Curtin University)

  • Wenyuan Li

    (West Virginia University)

  • Wissam A. Saidi

    (National Energy Technology Laboratory)

  • Cijie Liu

    (West Virginia University)

  • Xuemei Li

    (West Virginia University)

  • Jian Luo

    (University of California San Diego
    University of California San Diego)

  • Xiaolin Li

    (Pacific Northwest National Laboratory)

  • Kai He

    (University of California)

  • Xingbo Liu

    (West Virginia University)

Abstract

Protonic ceramic electrochemical cells (PCECs) have potential as long-duration energy storage systems. However, their operational stability is limited under industrially relevant conditions due to the intrinsic chemical instability of doped barium cerate-based electrolytes and oxygen electrodes against H2O, as well as the poor electrode–electrolyte interfacial contact. Here we present a conformally coated scaffold (CCS) design to comprehensively address these issues. A porous proton-conducting scaffold is constructed and conformally coated with Pr1.8Ba0.2NiO4.1 electrocatalyst, which has high chemical stability against H2O, triple conductivity and hydration capability, and protects vulnerable electrolytes from H2O. The CCS structure consolidates the electrode–electrolyte interfacial bonding to enable fast proton transfer in the percolated network. This design enables PCECs to reach electrolysis stability for 5,000 h at −1.5 A cm−2 and 600 °C in 40% H2O. This work provides a general strategy to stabilize PCECs and offers guidance for designing resilient and stable solid-state energy storage systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Hanchen Tian & Wei Li & Yueh-Lin Lee & Hongkui Zheng & Qingyuan Li & Liang Ma & Debangsu Bhattacharyya & Xiujuan Chen & Dawei Zhang & Guosheng Li & Yi Wang & Li Li & Qingsong Wang & Fang Xia & Muhamme, 2025. "Conformally coated scaffold design using water-tolerant Pr1.8Ba0.2NiO4.1 for protonic ceramic electrochemical cells with 5,000-h electrolysis stability," Nature Energy, Nature, vol. 10(7), pages 890-903, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natene:v:10:y:2025:i:7:d:10.1038_s41560-025-01800-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41560-025-01800-1
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