Enhanced chemical stability and electrochemical performance of BaCe0.8Y0.1Ni0.04Sm0.06O3-δ perovskite electrolytes as proton conductors

Although doped BaCeO₃ electrolytes are proton conductors that undergo the fast conduction processes of inter-mediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs), their wide application is impeded by their poor chemical stability under water vapour or CO₂ conditions. In this work, we selected the metallic cations with suitable electronegativity to improve the perovskite crystal structures of BaCeO₃ to enhance the chemical stability and electrochemical performance. We utilized Ni and Sm cations to improve the chemical stability of BaCeO₃ electrolytes in water vapour and CO₂ via a novel synthesis method, and the results revealed that the BaCe_0.8Y_0.1Ni_0.04Sm_0.06O_3-δ electrolyte, -with high electrochemical performance and chemical stability-, is a promising electrolyte material for conduction in IT-SOFCs. The optimum result offers new insights into synthesizing the membrane of IT-SOFCs for their application.