Screening of electrode materials and cell concepts for composite ceria + salt electrolytes.

Summary: The optimization of the performance of electrodes (oxide‐based) for composite electrolytes (Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 + (Li0.52Na0.48)2CO3) is addressed in this work acting mostly on the electrode chemical nature (eg, LaCoO3, Li0.43NiO2, or LiNiO2), thickness (single and multiple screen‐printed layers), and cell layer concept (with/without barrier layers between electrode and electrolyte). The cell performance and stability were analyzed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy. LaCoO3 electrodes deposited on the electrolyte using an intermediate barrier layer showed a promising area specific resistance of 0.22 Ω.cm2 at 600°C. This optimized cell processing route was adopted as reference to study the endurance performance of distinct electrode materials up to 100 hours in air, at 550°C, where lithiated NiO showed the best stability. Multiple electrode materials tested with composite electrolytesDistinct cell configurations and electrode thicknessFunctional barrier layer between electrode and electrolyteEndurance tests of deposited electrodes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]