PrBaMn₂O_5+Δ with praseodymium oxide nano-catalyst as electrode for symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells

PrBaMn₂O_5+δ (PBMO) is one of the promising electrode materials for symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells, but suffers from limited electrocatalytic activity. In this work, nanosized Pr₆O₁₁ particles were introduced into PBMO backbone on both anode and cathode as synergic catalysts and to optimize the electrode reactions. The as-prepared electrode was investigated by X-ray diffraction, H₂-temperature programmed reduction (H₂-TPR), O₂-temperature programmed desorption (O₂-TPD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and the electrochemical measurements. After coated with Pr₆O₁₁, the cathode polarization resistance (R_p) of PBMO decreased from 0.25 to 0.016 Ω cm², the anode R_p reduced from 0.46 to 0.20 Ω cm² and the power outputs of symmetrical cells improved by ∼75% at 800 °C. The TPR and TPD results indicate that the electrode catalytic activity was significantly promoted by Pr₆O₁₁. Furthermore, the stability tests show that PBMO with Pr₆O₁₁ is highly stable in redox conditions.