MOF-derived 1D CGO Cathode for Efficient Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells

• Published in: Chemical research in Chinese universities 2024-08, Vol.40 (4), p.737-746
• Main Authors: Tian, Jiayu, Sun, Qi, Liu, Pei, Dai, Jiuyi, Cai, Yezheng, Xu, Miao, Ye, Tian-Nan, Chen, Jie-Sheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical Chemistry; Carbon dioxide; Cathodes; Cerium gadolinium oxides; Cerium oxides; Cermets; Chemical fuels; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Chemistry/Food Science; Configuration management; Electrolysis; Electrolytic cells; Gadolinium; Inorganic Chemistry; Ion diffusion; Ion transport; Mass transport; Metal-organic frameworks; Microchannels; Nickel oxides; Organic Chemistry; Performance enhancement; Physical Chemistry; Renewable energy; Renewable resources
• ISSN: 1005-9040; 2210-3171
• DOI: 10.1007/s40242-024-4126-1

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) provide a promising way for converting renewable energy into chemical fuels. Traditionally, NiO/CGO (nickel-gadolinium doped ceria) cermet has shown its excellent properties in ionic and electronic conductivity under reducing conditions. Herein, we developed a novel 1D NiO/CGO cathode through a cerium metal-organic framework (MOF) derived process. The cathode’s 1D nanostructure integrated with a microchannel scaffold facilitates enhanced mass transport, providing vertically aligned pathways for CO 2 and H 2 O diffusion. Additionally, the 1D framework increases the number of interfacial sites and reduces ion diffusion distances, thereby simplifying electron/ion transport. Consequently, this advanced cathode achieved a significant breakthrough in SOEC performance, maintaining efficient CO 2 and H 2 O electrolysis at an extraordinary current density of 1.41 A/cm 2 at 1.5 V and excellent stability over 24 h at 850 °C. The enhanced performance of this newly developed cathode not only achieves a remarkable 100% improvement compared to those of NiO/CGO cathodes with varying geometrical configurations but also surpasses those of commercial NiO/CGO catalysts by an outstanding 40% when tested under identical conditions. The development of the 1D NiO/CGO enhances the efficiency and durability of ceramic cathodes for CO 2 and H 2 O co-electrolysis in SOECs and improves the scalability and effectiveness of SOECs in renewable energy applications.