Intermediate Temperature Anode‐Supported Fuel Cell Based on BaCe0.9Y0.1O3 Electrolyte with Novel Pr2NiO4 Cathode

Abstract A proton conducting ceramic fuel cell (PCFC) operating at intermediate temperature has been developed that incorporates electrolyte and electrode materials prepared by flash combustion (yttrium‐doped barium cerate) and auto‐ignition (praseodymium nickelate) methods. The fuel cell components were assembled using an anode‐support approach, with the anode and proton ceramic layers prepared by co‐pressing and co‐firing, and subsequent deposition of the cathode by screen‐printing onto the proton ceramic surface. When the fuel cell was fed with moist hydrogen and air, a high Open Circuit Voltage (OCV > 1.1 V) was observed at T > 550 °C, which was stable for 300 h (end of test), indicating excellent gas‐tightness of the proton ceramic layer. The power density of the fuel cell increased with temperature of operation, providing more than 130 mW cm –2 at 650 °C. Symmetric cells incorporating Ni‐BCY10 cermet and BCY10 electrolyte on the one hand, and Pr 2 NiO 4 + δ and BCY10 electrolyte on the other hand, were also characterised and area specific resistances of 0.06 Ω cm 2 for the anode material and 1–2 Ω cm 2 for the cathode material were obtained at 600 °C.