Toward next-generation fuel cell materials

Development of a Composite Heterostructure Electrolyte for Low-Temperature Ceramic Fuel Cells: CaSnO3–ZnO Semiconductor Design and Optimization

“…Figure b illustrates the impact of the CaSnO 3 –ZnO p–n junction on electrochemical enhancement and the charge separation process. A p–n junction, which is formed by joining p and n semiconductors, creates an intrinsic field across the interface due to the redistribution of positive and negative charges (space charge region). ,,, In the case of the CaSnO 3 –ZnO p–n bulk heterojunction, the electric field generated at the interface prevented the flow of electrons, resulting in reduced electronic conduction across the CaSnO 3 –ZnO interface. The electrostatic force facilitated the movement of oxygen ions and enhanced the ionic conductivity of the CaSnO 3 –ZnO cell.…”

Space Charge Polarization Effect in Surface-Coated BaTiO3 Electrolyte for Low-Temperature Ceramic Fuel Cell

“…Perovskite semiconductors have also shown promise as electrolytes for low-temperature CFCs, such as the SrFe 0.2 Ti 0.8 O 3 –ZnO heterostructure demonstrated by Shah et al . Using semiconductor-based materials in ceramic fuel cells offers significant advantages, including enhanced ionic conducting properties and a built-in electric field (BIEF) that prevents electronic short-circuiting and promotes ion transportation. − Among these materials, BaTiO 3 , a widely studied perovskite, possesses high dielectric constant and ferroelectric properties, making it suitable for various electronic and electro-optical applications. − Using high dielectric materials with large polarizability to develop oxide-ion electrolytes has also emerged. , An exciting strategy was needed to advance CFCs, and this study presents an approach using a BaTiO 3 (BTO) coating, incorporating the wide band gap ion-conducting semiconductor material CeO 2 as a promising electrolyte layer for CFCs. The authors also investigated the surface and interfacial properties of the BTO–CeO 2 interfaces to enhance ionic conductivity and realize a successful fuel cell operation.…”

N−N Heterostructure Sm2O3/ZnO Electrolyte with Enhanced Proton Conduction for Fuel Cell Application

“…In recent years, semiconductor heterostructure design has been widely used in energy conversion fields such as solar cells , and photocatalysis. , Semiconductor heterojunction is an interface region formed by the contact of two different semiconductors, which realizes the formation of a space charge layer and promotes charge separation. , The local electric field is constructed at the interface to promote ion transport and inhibit electron conduction. Semiconductor heterostructure design has shed light on low-temperature fuel cell technology and accelerated numerous studies on semiconductor heterostructure electrolytes. − Xia et al constructed the BaCo 0.4 Fe 0.4 Zr 0.1 Y 0.1 O 3‑δ (BCFZY)/ZnO cell device and reported a high peak power density of 643 mW cm –2 at 500 °C. Although BCFZY and ZnO materials have certain electrical conductivity, no short-circuit phenomenon occurs due to the construction of semiconductor heterojunction .…”