Redox-stable symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells with exceptionally high performance enabled by electrode/electrolyte diffuse interface

In this study, we report a high performance and redox-stable symmetrical solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) based on (Ba0.5Sr0.5) (Mo0.1Fe0.9)O3-δ (BSMF) electrode and La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ (LSGM) electrolyte. BSMF is able to operate both as anode and cathode. Excellent electrocatalytic activity has been achieved on BSMF towards hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction. Due to its closely matched lattice parameter to LSGM electrolyte, a unique diffuse interface is formed between BSMF and LSGM. Compared to a clean interface, e.g. BSMF/gadolinium doped ceria interface, this diffuse interface promotes the performance of BSMF electrode 1–1.8 times in 600–800 °C. Polarization resistance of the BSMF/LSGM specimen is as low as 0.047 and 0.007 Ωcm2 in humidified H2 and in air at 800 °C, respectively. On the BSMF/LSGM/BSMF symmetrical cell, a maximum power density of 2.28 W/cm2 is achieved at 800 °C, the highest among with redox-stable ceramic electrodes to the best of our knowledge. Redox stability of this cell is confirmed. The role of anode and cathode is reversed back and forth in different operation modes. No apparent degradation is observed through 4 cycles within a 110 h operation period. These findings demonstrate that (Ba0.5Sr0.5) (Mo0.1Fe0.9)O3-δ coupled with LSGM electrolyte is an excellent choice to build a high performance, redox-stable SOFC. •A diffuse interface between BSMF and LSGM due to matched crystalline features.•Exceptionally high performance, 2.28 W/cm2 from BSMF symmetrical cell.•Reversible operation was achieved, demonstrating the redox stability.