Electrodeposition of a Au-Dy2O3 Composite Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Catalyst from Eutectic Urea/Choline Chloride Ionic Liquid

Abstract

Abstract:In this research we have fabricated and tested Au/Dy 2 O 3 composites for applications as Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) electrocatalysts. The material was obtained by a process involving electrodeposition of a Au-Dy alloy from a urea/choline chloride ionic liquid electrolyte, followed by selective oxidation of Dy to Dy 2 O 3 in air at high temperature. The electrochemical kinetics of the electrodeposition bath were studied by cyclic voltammetry, whence optimal electrodeposition conditions were identified. The heat-treated material was characterised from the morphological (scanning electron microscopy), compositional (X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy) and structural (X-ray diffractometry) points of view. The electrocatalytic activity towards H 2 oxidation and O 2 reduction was tested at 650 °C by electrochemical impedance spectrometry. Our composite electrodes exhibit an anodic activity that compares favourably with the only literature result available at the time of this writing for Dy 2 O 3 and an even better cathodic performance.

Ionic liquids as tailored media for the synthesis and processing of energy conversion materials

“…The SOFC, a viable high temperature (500-1000 1C) technology, has recently received large attention as a major source of electrical energy conversion system, mainly owing to its efficiency which overpass that of Carnot cycle power sources. 49,50 Similar to the aforementioned FCs, the efficiency of SOFCs is also highly dependent on the quality of the employed electrocatalyst, 51 usually of the rare earth-type. Among them, dysprosium oxide (Dy 2 O 3 ) is the one so far reported having the best catalytic behaviour.…”

“…Indeed, by a single electrodeposition step from an IL based on eutectic choline chloride/urea in a 1 : 2 molar ratio, followed by controlled oxidation, a highly performing nanostructured Au-Dy 2 O 3 composite electrocatalyst could be easily obtained. 51 In general, though fuel cells are considered as relatively exotic technologies, they are not yet a major commercial success. This is mainly attributed to their high cost, durability and related issues.…”

Current Applications and Future Potential of Rare Earth Oxides in Sustainable Nuclear, Radiation, and Energy Devices: A Review

“…In addition, Nd 3+ and Dy 3+ codoped Ce 0.8 Nd x ‑y Dy y O 2‑{ x ‑ y /2+ y } ( x = 0.2, y = 0.04, 0.08, 0.1), Au/Dy 2 O 3 , the binary system of (Bi 2 O 3 ) 1– x (Yb 2 O 3 ) x , Bi 3+ -doped Ce 0.75‑ x Bi x Gd 0.25 O 2 ( x = 0.0, 0.05, 0.10), CeO 2 tridoped with LiBi and Gd are the recently developed electrolyte systems. These REO-based SOFCs systems provided better stability a lower system temperature with long-term performance of the SOFCs. − …”