An active and durable ammonia cracking layer for direct ammonia protonic ceramic fuel cells

Ammonia protonic ceramic fuel cells (NH₃-PCFCs) are highly appealing energy conversion technologies due to their high efficiency, environmental responsibility, and benign safety features. Nonetheless, progress in NH₃-PCFCs is notably impeded by the restricted performance and insufficient lifespan of standard Ni-cermet anodes for ammonia cracking, especially at 550 °C or below. Herein, we report an efficient ammonia cracking layer with a formula of xCo₃O₄/100-xBaZr_0.8Y_0.2O_3-δ (Co/BZY) (x=10, 20, 30), which is deposited onto the Ni-BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.1Yb_0.1O_3−δ (BZCYYb) anode to significantly enhance the NH₃ decomposition catalytic activity, thereby improving the performance and durability of NH₃-PCFCs at low temperatures. The cells with the addition of a 20Co/80BZY anode catalytic layer (ACL) exhibit low area-specific resistance (ASR) and promising operational longevity under NH₃ conditions. At 550°C, the NH₃-PCFCs with a 20Co/80BZY ACL exhibit a high peak power density of 0.626 W cm⁻² and promising operation durability. This study provides important guidance for constructing high-performance and durable NH₃-PCFCs.