A novel protonic ceramic fuel cell with SrSn_0.8Sc_0.2O_3-δ electrolyte

The recent discovery of SrSn_0.8Sc_0.2O_3-δ (SSS) perovskite oxide as a promising proton-conducting material has generated interest in its potential application in electrochemical devices as PCFCs. This study assesses the feasibility of SSS in PCFCs by its stability, density, chemical compatibility, and electrochemical performance. The study demonstrated the favorable stability of SSS even after reduction at 800 °C under H₂ for 24 h as well as immersion in boiling water for 5 h. The relative density of SSS could easily exceed 94% after sintering with NiO aid at 1400 °C. The chemical compatibility and electrochemical performance of SSS were investigated with various electrode materials. The BaCo_0.4Fe_0.4Zr_0.1Y_0.1O_3-δ exhibited relatively better electrochemical performance with SSS. The electrolyte was co-sintered with a Ni-based anode substrate and densified to high density at 1450 °C without sintering aids. The fuel cell utilizing an anode-supported Ni-SSS|SSS|BCFZY-SSS configuration exhibited a peak power density of 432.1 mW cm⁻² at 800 °C.