Mechanical and chemical stability of proton exchange membranes are crucial requirements for the development of fuel cells for durable energy conversion. To tackle this challenge, bi-functional nanoclays grafted with amino groups and with embedded radical scavengers, that is, CeO2 nanoparticles were incorporated into Aquivion® ionomer. The composite membranes presented high proton conductivity and increased stability to radical attack compared to non-modified Aquivion membranes, demonstrating the effectiveness of the approach based on radical scavenger immobilisation and release from clay nanocontainers.

Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (IT-SOFCs) with yttrium stabilized zirconia electrolyte were fabricated by the impregnation of nanoparticle promoters into specific backbone cathodes: electronic conductor La 0.8 Sr 0.2 MnO 3 , ionic conductor Sm 0.2 Ce 0.8 O 2-δ and mixed ionic and electronic conductor Nd 1.95 NiO 4+δ. The electrochemical performances of the symmetrical half-cells and single cells were improved using impregnated cathodes. The electrochemical measurements showed that a MIEC backbone is more efficient than a pure electronic or a pure ionic one. The highest area specific resistance was given by La 0.8 Sr 0.2 MnO 3-impregnated samples (ASR elec = 1.15 Ω.cm 2) at 700°C. At the same temperature, the lowest resistance was measured on a Pr 2 NiO 4+δ impregnated into an Nd 1.95 NiO 4+δ backbone (ASR elec = 0.26 Ω.cm 2). Complete single IT-SOFCs with and without infiltrated air electrodes have been then manufactured and the infiltration improved clearly the efficiency of the cell, more than 6% in the temperature range 650-750°C without specific optimization.