Cycling tests of a reversible BaCe0.8Zr0.1Y0.1O3−δ electrolyte-based protonic ceramic cell with SmBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.5Fe0.5O5+δ oxygen electrode

Cells based on proton-conducting ceramics (PCC) working at intermediate temperatures have intrinsic properties that suggest promising potential applications. Currently, almost all the literature in the field of PCC has focused on hydrogen conversion (Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cell PCFC) and/or hydrogen production (Protonic Ceramic Electrolysis Cell PCEC). Very few studies have inspected the reversibility of these systems (RePCC) in order to understand their potential coupling to intermittent renewable energies. Despite the promising results achieved, the development of these technologies remains very challenging. The work presented here illustrates the fabrication and the characterization of a 32 mm–diameter hydrogen-electrode-supported cell. A double perovskite with general formula AA’BB’O5+δ is used as air electrode material (SmBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.5Fe0.5O5+δ, SmBSCF) exhibiting very good stability under water vapor- and carbon dioxide-containing atmosphere. The maximal power density of the Ni-BaCe0.8 Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ (Ni-BCZY81)/ BCZY81/ SmBSCF cell corresponds to 0.58 W cm-2 at 600 °C in fuel cell mode and a current density of j=0.8 A cm-2 is measured at 1.3 V and 600 °C in electrolysis mode. The results were collected over a total working time of 280 hours. The cell was stressed with several complete shutdowns and restarting protocols exhibiting an overall remarkable reversibility and durability.