In Situ Exsolved Bimetallic Nanoparticles on Double Perovskite for Efficient CO2 Electrolysis and Synergistic Methane Reforming in SOEC

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) are promising energy conversion devices for the CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR). However, their applications are limited by sluggish reaction kinetics and poor durability of the electrode. Herein, a hetero-structured (PrBa) 0.95 Fe 1.5 Cu 0.5 O 6-δ with in situ formed FeCu bimetallic nanoparticles (FeCu@PB95FC) is designed to enhance CO 2 electrolysis and CH 4 reforming in SOECs. The current density of the cell with FeCu@PB95FC cathode achieves a remarkable current density of 1044.74 mA cm −2 at 800 °C and 1.5 V for pure CO 2 electrolysis, with a CO production rate of 6.4 mL min −1 cm −2 and a Faraday efficiency of 95.23%. The superior electrocatalytic activity is attributed to the exsolved nanoparticles promoting electron transfer and additional oxygen vacancies generated within the perovskite substrate, providing numerous metal-oxide interfaces for gas adsorption and electrolysis. Furthermore, to reduce energy consumption of CO 2 electrolysis while generating value-added products, the symmetrical cell (FeCu@PB95FC|LSGM|FeCu@PB95FC) is synthesized, achieving a current density of 1.54 A cm −2 , alongside high syngas production (CO: 4.49 mL min −1 cm −2 ; H₂: 6.53 mL min −1 cm −2 ). This work offers a synergistic strategy for designing robust electrodes for efficient CO 2 conversion and methane utilization in SOECs, advancing sustainable energy technologies.