Ultrafine, Dual-Phase, Cation-Deficient PrBaCaCoO Air Electrode for Efficient Solid Oxide Cells.

Nanostructured air electrodes play a crucial role in improving the electrocatalytic activity of oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in solid oxide cells (SOCs). Herein, we report the fabrication of a nanostructured BaCoO-decorated cation-deficient PrBaCaCoO (PBCC) air electrode via a combined modification and direct assembly approach. The modification approach endows the dual-phase air electrode with a large surface area and abundant oxygen vacancies. An intimate air electrode-electrolyte interface is constructed with the formation of a catalytically active CoO bridging layer via electrochemical polarization. The corresponding single cell exhibits a peak power density of 2.08 W cm, an electrolysis current density of 1.36 A cm at 1.3 V, and a good operating stability at 750 °C for 100 h. This study provides insights into the rational design and facile utilization of an active and stable nanostructured air electrode of SOCs.