Ag-Ce0.9Gd0.1O2- based nanocomposite thin film air electrodes for low temperature solid oxide cells
Author(s)
Celikbilek, Ozden
Wells, Matthew P
MacManus-Driscoll, Judith L
Kerherve, Gwilherm
Rapenne, Laetitia
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Understanding and controlling the interfaces between different materials is crucial for developing solid oxide cells (SOCs) with both high performance and durability for low-temperature operation (<700 °C). Current research focuses on evaluating microstructural designs and composite material interactions to optimize SOC performance. Nanocomposite heterostructures exhibit unique properties at the interfaces, which are achieved through precise control of the composition, thickness, and surface chemistry. In this investigation, our goal was to develop nanocomposite films using a combination of a metal and a metal oxide. Specifically, we successfully fabricated Ag–Ce0.9Gd0.1O2−δ (Ag-CGO) nanocomposite thin films using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) in a single step. Dense Ag-CGO films with thicknesses of approximately 30 and 300 nm were grown on (100)-oriented yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) substrates. The 300 nm–thick films exhibited an area-specific resistance (ASR) value of 22.6 Ω cm2 at 480 °C in a symmetrical cell configuration. This value is comparable to that of a micrometer scale–thick Ag electrode with a coarse porous microstructure. Therefore, Ag-CGO films represent a promising alternative to bulk Ag-based SOC electrodes by significantly reducing noble metal usage. The process described is suitable for integration into thin-film solid oxide fuel cell fabrication processes, as it eliminates the subsequent annealing step required to form a stable and active layer. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into enhancing the performance of metal/metal oxide thin films as SOC electrodes for low-temperature operation. While further investigations are necessary to optimize long-term stability, these films may also prove attractive for alternative catalytic applications operating at lower or ambient temperatures.
Date Issued
2025-03-10
Date Acceptance
2025-02-13
Citation
ACS Applied Energy Materials, 2025, 8 (5), pp.2828-2836
ISSN
2574-0962
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Start Page
2828
End Page
2836
Journal / Book Title
ACS Applied Energy Materials
Volume
8
Issue
5
Copyright Statement
© 2025 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society. This publication is licensed under CC-BY 4.0 .
License URL
Identifier
10.1021/acsaem.4c02899
Subjects
nanocomposite heterostructures
SOCs
oxygen electrodes
low-temperature SOCs
Ag-CGO
silver
PLD
thin films
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2025-02-27