Effects of composition on the electrochemical property and cell performance of single layer fuel cell

Abstract In this study, the enhanced electrochemical performance of single layer fuel cells (SLFCs) based upon mixed ion and electron conductors is analyzed as a function of composition. We synthesize a series of Ce 0.8 Sm 0.2 O 2−δ -Li 0.3 Ni 0.6 Cu 0.07 Sr 0.03 O 2−δ (SDC-LNCS) with different weight ratios. The microstructure and morphology of the composite materials are characterized through X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). Stability of the synthesized samples is evaluated by thermal gravity analysis (TGA). The SLFC with 6SDC-4LNCS exhibits a uniform distribution of the two compositions as well as demonstrates the highest power density of 312 mW cm −2 at 550 °C. The performance is correlated to the balance of the conduction properties (ionic and electronic) of the functional SLFC layer. The results are a critical contribution to further development of this new energy transfer device.