An active and stable PrOx-modified open-straight pore (La0.8Sr0.2)0.98MnO3-δ-Sc0.18Zr0.82O2-δ air electrode for reversible solid oxide cells

Air electrode supported reversible solid oxide cells (RSOCs) have drawn increasing attention for the capability of fuel flexibility and well bonding between the air electrode and electrolyte. However, the high concentration polarization and sluggish oxygen reduction/evolution reaction (ORR/OER) has significantly restricted the practical applications. Herein, finger-like (La0.8Sr0.2)0.98MnO3-δ-Sc0.18Zr0.82O2-δ (LSM98-SSZ) air electrode supported symmetrical and single cells are successfully fabricated by phase inversion tape-casting technology. The open-straight pores formed on the air electrode support can facilitate the gas transport and catalyst impregnation. The ORR/OER activity of LSM98-SSZ air electrode is largely increased with the introduction of impregnated PrOx nano catalyst, showing a low polarization resistance (Rp) of 0.06 Ω cm2 and great stability for 550 h at 700 °C. Furthermore, the LSM98-SSZ supported cell with PrOx modification shows a remarkable peak power density of 1.0 W cm−2 and electrolysis current density of 1.09 A cm−2 at 1.3 V at 750 °C. The enhanced performance is primarily ascribed to the facilitated oxygen surface exchange.