A reversible protonic ceramic cell with symmetrically designed Pr2NiO4+δ-based electrodes: Fabrication and electrochemical features

Reversible protonic ceramic cells (rPCCs) combine two different operation regimes, fuel cell and electrolysis cell modes, which allow reversible chemical-to-electrical energy conversion at reduced temperatures with high efficiency and performance. Here we present novel technological and materials science approaches, enabling a rPCC with symmetrical functional electrodes to be prepared using a single sintering step. The response of the cell fabricated on the basis of P-N- BCZD|BCZD|PBN-BCZD (where BCZD = BaCe0.5Zr0.3Dy0.2O3-δ, PBN = Pr1.9Ba0.1NiO4+δ, P = Pr2O3, N = Ni) is studied at different temperatures and water vapor partial pressures (pH2O) by means of volt-ampere measurements, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and distribution of relaxation times analyses. The obtained results demonstrate that symmetrical electrodes exhibit classical mixed-ionic/electronic conducting behavior with no hydration capability at 750 °C; therefore, increasing the pH2O values in both reducing and oxidizing atmospheres leads to some deterioration of their electrochemical activity. At the same time, the electrolytic properties of the BCZD membrane are improved, positively affecting the rPCC's efficiency. The electrolysis cell mode of the rPCC is found to be more appropriate than the fuel cell mode under highly humidified atmospheres, since its improved performance is determined by the ohmic resistance, which decreases with pH2O increasing. © 2018 by the authors. ; Российский Фонд Фундаментальных Исследований (РФФИ): 18-38-20063 ; Funding: The majority of this work was carried out under the budgetary plans of Institute of High Temperature Electrochemistry. The design of new electrode materials and their characterization was also funded by the Russian Foundation for Basic Research, grant number 18-38-20063. Dr. Dmitry Medvedev is also grateful to the Council of the President of the Russian Federation (scholarship СП-161.2018.1) for supporting the studies devoted to search of new Co-free electrode materials.