Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• LSTCF nanofibers with in situ exsolved Co3Fe7 nanoparticles exhibit high structural reversibility and enhanced electrochemical performance. • The reversible phase transition between perovskite and exsolved nanoparticles enables superior activity and stability in both fuel cell and electrolysis modes. • The symmetrical electrode achieves high power densities (0.98 W cm−2 with H2, 0.53 W cm−2 with CH4) and high current densities for CO2 and H2O electrolysis at 800 °C. • The electrode demonstrates excellent durability over 100 hours, highlighting its potential for practical RSOC applications.
Abstract
Reversible solid oxide cells (RSOCs) are capable of converting various energy resources, between electricity and chemical fuels, with high efficiency and flexibility, making them suitable for grid balancing and renewable energy consumption. However, the practical application of RSOCs is still limited by the insufficient activity and stability of the electrodes in different operating modes. Herein, a highly efficient symmetrical electrode composed of La0.3Sr0.6Ti0.1Co0.2Fe0.7O3−δ (LSTCF) nanofibers and in situ exsolved Co3Fe7 nanoparticles is developed for boosting the performance of RSOCs. The reversible phase transition, high activity and stability of the electrode have been confirmed by a combination of experimental (e.g., transmission electron microscopy and X-ray absorption fine structure) and computational studies. Electrolyte-supported RSOCs with the symmetrical electrode demonstrate excellent catalytic activity and stability, achieving a high peak power density of 0.98 W cm−2 in the fuel cell mode using H2 as the fuel (or 0.53 W cm−2 using CH4 as the fuel) and a high current density of 1.09 A cm−2 at 1.4 V in the CO2 electrolysis mode (or 1.03 A cm−2 at 1.3 V for H2O electrolysis) at 800 °C while maintaining excellent durability for over 100 h.
1. Introduction
With the rapid increase in global energy consumption and the continuous pursuit of sustainable development, RSOCs are regarded as a promising energy conversion and storage technology due to the high efficiency, excellent reversibility, and low cost. RSOCs offer significant potential for large-scale “power-to-gas” (P2G) and “gas-to-power” (G2P) conversions, which helps to stabilize power output and manage peak loads. Consequently, RSOCs serve as a critical interconnection between the power grid and industrial network [1, 2]. Additionally, RSOCs can promote the production of energy chemicals that enhance the carbon cycle [3–5]. However, the development of RSOCs is still limited by the insufficient electrochemical activity and stability of the electrode materials [2, 4].
In situ exsolution as a kind of surface modification technology has the advantages of uniform dispersion of nanoparticles, strong coupling between exsolved nanoparticles and the matrix, and improved activity and contaminant-tolerance by the heterostructure [6–11]. Many studies have investigated the application of in situ exsolution technology to solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), especially fuel electrodes [12, 13]. The exsolved nanoparticles with strong coupling with the substrate enhanced the activity and stability of the fuel electrode for hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). In addition, the in situ exsolution technology has been applied to the fuel electrodes of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) for H2O and/or CO2 electrolysis with improved electrochemical performance and stability [13–18].
The structural stability of perovskites during the exsolution of nanoparticles in the reducing atmosphere is critical. For example, Xu et al. synthesized a Sr2Ti0.8Co0.2FeO6 electrode, in which the cubic double perovskite structure remained constant after the exsolution of Co–Fe alloy nanoparticles [13]. Similarly, Mo doping at the B-site improved the structural stability of La0.4Sr0.6Co0.2Fe0.7Mo0.1O3−δ (LSCFM) under reducing atmosphere [17]. Conversely, some perovskite electrodes may undergo structural changes as the nanoparticles exsolved from the bulk. Kwon et al. found the transformation of simple perovskite Pr0.5Ba0.5Mn0.85T0.15O3−δ (T = Mn, Co, Ni) into layered perovskite PrBaMn1.7T0.3O5+δ (T = Mn, Co, Ni) after reduction in humidified H2 [19]. In addition, the conversion of ABO3 perovskites into Ruddlesden–Popper perovskite after reduction has been reported [20]. Luo et al. realized the control of the matrix structure during the exsolution process by adjusting the ...
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Chaofan Yin, Jiaming Yang, Jiangyuan Feng, Yueyue Sun, Zhengrong Liu, Junkai Wang, Jiajia Cui, Zixuan Xue, Liang Zhang, Yucun Zhou, Jun Zhou, Liangfei Xu, Kai Wu, Jianqiu Li (2025). Tailoring the Reversible Phase Transition of Perovskite Nanofiber Electrodes for High-Performance and Durable Reversible Solid Oxide Cells. Nano-Micro Letters. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40820-024-01600-4
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are reversible solid oxide cells (RSOCs)?
Reversible solid oxide cells (RSOCs) are energy conversion devices that can operate in both fuel cell mode (converting chemical energy to electricity) and electrolysis mode (converting electricity to chemical fuels like hydrogen or carbon monoxide). They offer high efficiency and flexibility, making them suitable for grid balancing and renewable energy storage.
What is the significance of the reversible phase transition in this study?
The reversible phase transition in the perovskite nanofiber electrode allows the material to undergo structural changes during operation without degradation. This enhances the activity and stability of the electrode, enabling high performance in both fuel cell and electrolysis modes, and contributes to long-term durability.
How does in situ exsolution improve electrode performance?
In situ exsolution uniformly disperses nanoparticles on the electrode surface, creating strong coupling between the nanoparticles and the perovskite matrix. This heterostructure increases catalytic activity, improves tolerance to contaminants, and enhances the overall stability of the electrode.
What are the key performance metrics achieved in this study?
The electrolyte-supported RSOCs with the symmetrical electrode achieved a peak power density of 0.98 W cm−2 with H2 fuel and 0.53 W cm−2 with CH4 fuel at 800 °C. In electrolysis mode, they achieved current densities of 1.09 A cm−2 for CO2 electrolysis at 1.4 V and 1.03 A cm−2 for H2O electrolysis at 1.3 V, with excellent durability over 100 hours.
What is the potential application of this technology?
This technology has potential for large-scale power-to-gas and gas-to-power conversions, enabling efficient energy storage and grid stabilization. It can also contribute to carbon recycling by converting CO2 into valuable fuels, supporting sustainable energy systems.
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