Preliminary Assessment of Ru-Doped LiNiO2 as a Dual-Functioning Electrode for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract

Durability constraints with electrode materials have become a rising focus of study in the development of electrode materials. A brand-new breakthrough configuration has come to the forefront in the advancing SOFC application. This novel form, known as symmetrical SOFC (S-SOFC), is a major topic in fuel cell development. By integrating lithiated nickel oxide-based materials that are typically used in lithium-ion battery applications and making them applicable for S-SOFC applications. The sol gel technique was used to synthesize the precursor lithiated nickel oxide with ruthenium as a dopant. This approach was deemed the most appropriate for handling lithiated materials in terms of effort, cost, and timeliness. As a result, the focus of these studies will be on initial work, especially the characterization and chemical performance of lithiated nickel doped ruthenium, abbreviated as $\mathrm{LN}_{1-\mathrm{x}} \mathrm{R}_{\mathrm{x}} \mathrm{O}_{2}(\mathrm{x}=0.4$ and 0.5) with various dopant compositions. The LNRO-based powder was analyzed in both oxidizing and reducing conditions to imitate the operating environment of a dual-functioning electrode. The symmetrical cell with the configuration $\mathrm{LNRx} / \mathrm{SDC} / \mathrm{LNRx}$ was screen-printed and heat treated for 2 hours at $800{}^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$. As this electrode material has two functions, just one heat treatment step is necessary to assure the electrode is effectively attached to the electrolyte substrate (SDC). The samples were next examined for electrical conductivity of the electrode and, finally, EIS analysis. In a reduced environment (mixed gas of $\mathrm{H}_{2}: \mathrm{N}_{2}$), the activation energies for LNR4 and LNR5 are 0.13 and 0.14 eV respectively. Meanwhile, the ASR values derived from the EIS analysis of the best sample LNR4 measured in air and reduced environment at $800{}^{\circ} \mathrm{C}$ are $2.467 \Omega \mathrm{cm}^{2}$ and $0.030 \Omega \mathrm{cm}^{2}$, respectively. The morphological behavior of these components will be thoroughly examined. The findings indicated that the LNR4 dopant has a great potential as an electrode for the S-SOFC application, which is more than just a means to increase SOFC performance.