Thermal stability study of SDC/Na2CO3 nanocomposite electrolyte for low-temperature SOFCs

The novel core–shell nanostructured SDC/Na₂CO₃ composite has been demonstrated as a promising electrolyte material for low-temperature SOFCs. However, as a nanostructured material, stability might be doubted under elevated temperature due to their high surface energy. So in order to study the thermal stability of SDC/Na₂CO₃ nanocomposite, XRD, BET, SEM and TGA characterizations were carried on after annealing samples at various temperatures. Crystallite sizes, BET surface areas, and SEM results indicated that the SDC/Na₂CO₃ nanocomposite possesses better thermal stability on nanostructure than pure SDC till 700 °C. TGA analysis verified that Na₂CO₃ phase exists steadily in the SDC/Na₂CO₃ composite. The performance and durability of SOFCs based on SDC/Na₂CO₃ electrolyte were also investigated. The cell delivered a maximum power density of 0.78 W cm⁻² at 550 °C and a steady output of about 0.62 W cm⁻² over 12 h operation. The high performances together with notable thermal stability make the SDC/Na₂CO₃ nanocomposite as a potential electrolyte material for long-term SOFCs that operate at 500–600 °C.