High-performance phosphorus-doped SrCo_0·8Fe_0·2O_3-δ cathode for protonic ceramic fuel cells

Achieving high performance and stability in cathodes for the oxygen reduction reaction is crucial for the advancement of proton ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs). The introduction of non-metal doping method presents an opportunity to simultaneously optimize the perovskite structure and augment the activity and stability of the oxygen reduction reaction. Herein, we develop a phosphorus-doped SrCo_0·8Fe_0·15P_0·05O_3-δ (SCFP) cathode for PCFCs. The SCFP cathode shows a low area specific resistance of 0.24 Ω cm² at 650 °C in wet air (5% H₂O), which is smaller than that of the phosphorus-free SrCo_0·8Fe_0·2O_3-δ (SCF) electrode (0.34 Ω cm²). The Ni–BaZr_0.1Ce_0·7Y_0.1Yb_0.1O_3-δ (BZCYYb) anode-supported single cell with BZCYYb electrolyte and SCFP cathode exhibits a superior performance of 865 mW cm⁻² at 650 °C under H₂ atmosphere. This underscores the effectiveness of the phosphorus-doping strategy as a promising approach for advancing cathode development in PCFCs.