A team of scientists from the Ural Federal University (UrFU) and the Institute of High-Temperature Electrochemistry (IHTE) of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences has achieved a significant breakthrough in the development of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) by synthesizing zinc-doped lanthanum-containing perovskite.
This innovative electrolyte material demonstrates improved electrical conductivity and holds great promise for advancing the performance and viability of SOFC technology. The research findings, published in the International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, highlight the potential impact of this development on the future of clean energy systems.
Perovskite materials, such as LaInO₃, are widely recognized for their desirable chemical resistance and proton conductivity but suffer from low electrical conductivity. To overcome this limitation, the team of scientists introduced zinc cations as a dopant and partially replaced indium ions within the perovskite structure. This substitution led to the creation of oxygen vacancies, which facilitated enhanced ionic transport and increased the electrical conductivity of the material.
The choice of zinc as the dopant was strategic due to its non-toxic nature, resistance to environmental factors such as carbon dioxide, moisture, and oxygen, and its cost-effectiveness compared to indium. Furthermore, zinc doping significantly reduced the sintering temperature of the resulting electrolyte by 200 °C. The synthesized material exhibited a high density and demonstrated a two-order-of-magnitude increase in total electrical conductivity compared to the original lanthanum in date.
The zinc-doped perovskite electrolyte offers several advantages for SOFC applications. Its high electrical conductivity, combined with a moderate operating temperature range of 500–700 °C, makes it suitable for use in power plants and other energy conversion systems. Moreover, the introduction of zinc as a dopant provides added protection against the detrimental effects of carbon dioxide.
Anastasia Egorova, a member of the research group, emphasized the novelty and innovative nature of their work, as they were the first to successfully enhance electrical conductivity by substituting indium with zinc in lanthanum indate. The team believes that further experiments combining zinc and strontium doping could yield even more substantial conductivity improvements, with strontium enhancing electrical conductivity and zinc acting as a safeguard against carbon dioxide.
The synthesis of zinc-doped lanthanum-containing perovskite marks a significant step forward in the development of high-performance solid oxide fuel cells. The material’s enhanced electrical conductivity and its ability to operate at moderate temperatures make it a compelling option for advancing the efficiency and widespread adoption of SOFC technology. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge aimed at creating sustainable and clean energy systems, bringing us closer to a future powered by efficient and environmentally friendly fuel cells.
