PrBaMn2O5+δ with praseodymium oxide nano-catalyst as electrode for symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells

PrBaMn2O5+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 (Rp) of PBMO decreased from 0.25 to 0.016 Ω cm2, the anode Rp 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.