Restricted accessResearch articleFirst published online 2025-8
Synthesis,characterization and electrochemical evaluation of high-performance Sr(Ce 0.6 Zr 0.4 ) 0.85 Y 0.15 O 3−δ /Sm 0.2 Ce 0.8 O 1.9 co-ionic conducting composite electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells
The Sr(Ce0.6Zr0.4)0.85Y0.15O3−δ/Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (Strontium Cerium Zirconium Yttrium oxide [SCZY] and Samarium-doped Ceria [SDC]) co-ionic conducting composite electrolyte was successfully prepared by separately synthesising SCZY and SDC via the citrate-EDTA complexing method, followed by mechanical mixing through ball milling. After sintering at 1450 °C for 5 h, the composite exhibited a dense structure with retained integrity. Electrochemical and structural analyses were conducted under varied atmospheres and temperatures. The Pt/SCZY-SDC/Pt cell's total electrical conductivity and activation energy were determined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, yielding values of 0.039 S cm−1 and 61.56 kJ mol−1, respectively, in H2/Air at 600–800 °C. Conductivity measurements indicated H+ and O2− ion conductivities of 0.228 and 0.00349 S cm−1, respectively, at 800 °C. Notably, the electrolyte-supported Pt/SCZY-SDC/Pt cell demonstrated a power output of 21.7 mW cm−2 and an open-circuit voltage of 0.74 V at 800 °C, featuring a 1.19-mm electrolyte thickness and 2.54 cm2 cathode area.
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