Shaping triple-conducting semiconductor BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ into an electrolyte for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

Interest in low-temperature operation of solid oxide fuel cells is growing. Recent advances in perovskite phases have resulted in an efficient H⁺/O^2-/e^- triple-conducting electrode BaCo_0.4Fe_0.4Zr_0.1Y_0.1O_3-δ for low-temperature fuel cells. Here, we further develop BaCo_0.4Fe_0.4Zr_0.1Y_0.1O_3-δ for electrolyte applications by taking advantage of its high ionic conduction while suppressing its electronic conduction through constructing a BaCo_0.4Fe_0.4Zr_0.1Y_0.1O_3-δ-ZnO p-n heterostructure. With this approach, it has been demonstrated that BaCo_0.4Fe_0.4Zr_0.1Y_0.1O_3-δ can be applied in a fuel cell with good electrolyte functionality, achieving attractive ionic conductivity and cell performance. Further investigation confirms the hybrid H⁺/O^2- conducting capability of BaCo_0.4Fe_0.4Zr_0.1Y_0.1O_3-δ-ZnO. An energy band alignment mechanism based on a p-n heterojunction is proposed to explain the suppression of electronic conductivity and promotion of ionic conductivity in the heterostructure. Our findings demonstrate that BaCo_0.4Fe_0.4Zr_0.1Y_0.1O_3-δ is not only a good electrode but also a highly promising electrolyte. The approach reveals insight for developing advanced low-temperature solid oxide fuel cell electrolytes.