MOF-derived 1D CGO Cathode for Efficient Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells

Abstract

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) provide a promising way for converting renewable energy into chemical fuels. Traditionally, NiO/CGO (nickel-gadolinium doped ceria) cermet has shown its excellent properties in ionic and electronic conductivity under reducing conditions. Herein, we developed a novel 1D NiO/CGO cathode through a cerium metal-organic framework (MOF) derived process. The cathode’s 1D nanostructure integrated with a microchannel scaffold facilitates enhanced mass transport, providing vertically aligned pathways for CO₂ and H₂O diffusion. Additionally, the 1D framework increases the number of interfacial sites and reduces ion diffusion distances, thereby simplifying electron/ion transport. Consequently, this advanced cathode achieved a significant breakthrough in SOEC performance, maintaining efficient CO₂ and H₂O electrolysis at an extraordinary current density of 1.41 A/cm² at 1.5 V and excellent stability over 24 h at 850 °C. The enhanced performance of this newly developed cathode not only achieves a remarkable 100% improvement compared to those of NiO/CGO cathodes with varying geometrical configurations but also surpasses those of commercial NiO/CGO catalysts by an outstanding 40% when tested under identical conditions. The development of the 1D NiO/CGO enhances the efficiency and durability of ceramic cathodes for CO₂ and H₂O co-electrolysis in SOECs and improves the scalability and effectiveness of SOECs in renewable energy applications.

Keywords

Cerium metal-organic framework / One-dimensional structure / Gadolinium doped ceria / CO₂ activation / co-Electrolysis

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