Study on Exsolution Process of Sr2FeMo0.6Ni0.4O6 via in Situ Cathodic Polarization
Authors: Duranti Leonardo , Felli Andrea , Marelli Marcello , Dosa Melodj , Di Bartolomeo Elisabetta , Piumetti Marco , Boaro Marta 
Published: September 2023

Solid oxide cells (SOCs) are nowadays one of the most promising energy conversion technologies, to accelerate and promote the ongoing energy transition1,2, based on the use of renewable resources. These devices in fact allow the development of valuable low carbon footprint power-to-X (X= power, fuels) chains of energy conversion and storage3. In this respect is crucial the design of innovative, cost-effective materials and processes for more and more versatile and reversible devices.

In the last decade, simple perovskite (ABO3) and double perovskite (A2BBʹO6) oxide have been proved to be a valuable alternative to cermet SOC electrodes, thanks to their relative ease of functionalization via doping and exsolution and their mixed ionic-electron conduction4-6. Exsolution process is strongly dependent on the type of metal and perovskite and on methodology adopted to induce the reduction7. Cathodic electrochemical polarization has been demonstrated to be a valuable approach to boost the exsolution especially from titanate based structures, obtaining higher dispersions than that derived from thermal reduction8.

In this work, we explored for the first time the behaviour of the double perovskite Sr2FeMo0.6Ni0.4O6-δ (SFMN) under cathodic polarization and we investigated the impact of the structural evolution on the electrochemical performances of a multi-functional electrode for H2-SOFC and CO2-SOEC applications.

SFMN was prepared by sol gel method and used to prepare supported SFMN/ La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ (LSGM)/La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.8Co0.2O3-δ:Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ (LSFCo:GDC) cells that were tested either before and after thermal or electrochemical reduction at 850°C.

As already reported the thermal reduction of SFMN leads to the exsolution of metal nanoparticles (of Ni or Ni-Fe alloys) and the in situ formation of Ruddlesden-Popper phase9 (RP). HRTEM, SEM and XRD characterizations of tested cells allowed to observe an acceleration of the structural transformation of perovskite under cathodic polarization in comparison to what observed under thermal reduction. This allows to gain insights on the role of entire transformation on the electrochemical behaviours of cells. Electrochemical properties of SFNM were investigated by EIS analysis. Distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analyses was also used to obtain further insights on the impedance of the different cell mechanisms according to their characteristic frequency.

The exsolved metal nanoparticles contributed to improve the conductivity and activity of the electrode, however, also the formation of RP phase seems have a significant role, especially in the electroreduction of CO2. Further studies are in progress to better understand the mechanisms of interaction between the phases formed during the exsolution process and their role on SOC electrodes activity.

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