Robust catalytically-activated LSM-BCZY-based composite steam electrodes for proton ceramic electrolysis cells.

Backbone electrodes based on an electronic conductor and a protonic conductor show advantages for proton ceramic electrolyzer cells (PCECs). This work, aims to shed further light on the nature of the rate determining steps in the anode operation and improve the reaction rate in high steam pressure electrolysis mode by (i) adjusting their catalytic activity through electrode infiltration with catalytic electronic-conducting nanoparticles; and (ii) electrochemical activation of surface species by applying a net current through the electrode. A composite formed by LaSrMnO (LSM) and BaCeZrYO (BCZY27) was deposited on proton-conducting BCZY27 electrolytes and studied in symmetrical cells to investigate the anode microstructure and electrochemical performance.