A dual-regulation strategy for constructing Na2Ti6O13-CeO2(Nd) heterostructures enabling superior-power fuel cells

Limited catalytic activity and inefficient ionic transport are major obstacles that compromise the overall performance of low-temperature fuel cells. To address this, we present a novel dual-regulation strategy that synergistically enhances electrolyte ion transport and electrode charge transfer. This approach achieves pre-reconstructed interfacial engineering through in situ phase reconstruction of the electrolyte during heat pretreatment, rather than through real-time interfacial evolution under operating conditions. By tuning the Ti:Ce ratio in the precursor composites, the Na 2 CO 3 -triggered reconstruction converted TiO 2 into oxygen vacancies Na 2 Ti 6 O 13 and formed Na 2 Ti 6 O 13 -CeO 2 (Nd) heterostructure electrolytes. Assembled with LiNi 0.8 Co 0.15 Al 0.05 O 2 electrodes, the optimized Ti:Ce-6%(PS) fuel cell achieves a superior power density of 1011 mW cm −2 at 550 °C. Its excellent structural stability enables stable cell operation for over 45 h at 100 mA cm −2 . This study provides a synergistic and scalable material design strategy for high-efficiency fuel cells.