Enhanced catalytic activity and durability of Ru–Fe alloy-modified Sr1.95Fe1.5Mo0.5O6-δ nanostructured symmetric electrode.

The stable and advanced catalytic symmetrical electrode material can reduce the number of electrode exchange in hydrocarbon fuel and extend the service life of symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells (SSOFCs). In this study, Sr 1.95 Fe 1.45 Ru 0.05 Mo 0.5 O 6-δ (SFRM) perovskites were developed and applied as both fuel and air electrode materials for SSOFCs for the first time. The peak power density (PPD) of SSOFC using SFRM electrodes is 583.6 mW cm−2, which is higher than that of SSOFC using SFM electrodes at 800 °C. Additionally, with an increase in reduction time, the maximum power density further increases by 20%–804.9 mW cm−2 with the exsolution of Ru–Fe antiparticles. Importantly, Ru doping results in a significant decrease in the size of exsolved nanoparticles and leads to a larger specific surface area. In the atmosphere of pure methane, Ru doped SFM increased from 130.9 to 185.1 W cm−2 compared with pure phase, and the discharge performance of SFRM electrode at 850 °C was more stable than that of SFM electrode. Thus, SFRM electrodes present a promising and viable option for enhancing the performance of SSOFCs. [Display omitted] • The SFRM symmetrical electrode has lower resistance than the pure phase SFM at both oxidation and reduction conditions. • The smaller and more uniform Ru–Fe alloy nanoparticles have more specific surface area. • Ru–Fe alloy nanoparticles have better catalytic properties and long-term stability for CH 4. • The power density of symmetrical SFRM electrode is increased by 20% with the exsolution of Ru–Fe alloy nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]