Applications of quantum dot membrane electrolytes in LT-SOFCs

CeO 2 existed in the form of quantum dots were used in fuel cell electrolytes for the first time after being compounded with semiconductor TiO 2 . The TiO 2 @xCeO 2 (x = 1,2,3) was evaluated as the membrane electrolyte for the semiconductor-ions membrane electrolyte fuel cells using H 2 as fuels. The maximum power density of the TiO 2 @ 2CeO 2 quantum dot electrolyte at 550 °C reaches 839 mW cm −2 , and the ion conductivity reaches 0.11 S cm −1 , which is higher than the physically mixed TiO 2 /CeO 2 composite under the same operating environment. The energy band structure and rectification characteristics test show that the cell based on TiO 2 /CeO 2 electrolyte membrane has a physical junction effect, which can prevent electrons from passing through the interior and effectively avoid short-circuit problems. This study shows that the TiO 2 @xCeO 2 (x = 1,2,3) composite in quantum dots form is a promising electrolyte that can promote the development of low-temperature solid oxide fuel cell.