Anchored PtSn nanoalloys via in situ exsolution for enhanced solid oxide cell performance

Advancing clean energy technologies demands efficient and durable electrode catalysts for solid oxide cells (SOCs). Despite their exceptional catalytic properties, Pt-based materials face critical challenges in high-temperature applications owing to particle agglomeration and cost constraints. Here, we demonstrate a rational design strategy utilizing controlled in situ exsolution to create strongly anchored PtSn nanoalloys on oxygen-deficient PrBaMn 1.8 Pt 0.1 Sn 0.1 O 5+ δ (L-PBMPtSn) perovskite oxide. Through precise compositional engineering and structural control, we achieved a uniform dispersion of PtSn nanoparticles with unique socket-like interfaces that prevent agglomeration while maintaining high catalytic accessibility. The optimized electrode demonstrates remarkable bifunctional performance, achieving a current density of 1.6 A cm −2 at 1.8 V for CO 2 electrolysis and a maximum power density of 316 mW cm −2 for fuel cell operation at 800 °C. More significantly, the electrode exhibits exceptional stability with only 9.6% performance degradation over 100 h of operation, which is a substantial improvement over conventional electrodes. Our findings establish a new paradigm for designing high-performance SOC electrodes through the controlled exsolution of precious metal alloys, offering broader implications for catalyst design in high-temperature electrochemical systems. Graphical abstract