In-situ anchoring of cobalt metal nanoparticles on Sr_1.95Fe_1.3−xTi_0.2Co_xMo_0.5O_6−δ perovskite anodes for high - performance direct propane solid oxide fuel cells

The characteristics of anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have a decisive influence on their electrochemical performance. Herein, we combined the bulk doping strategy with the surface nano-Co particle anchoring strategy to design and prepare a series of novel anode materials Sr_1.95Fe_1.3−xTi_0.2Co_xMo_0.5O_6−δ (abbreviated as SFe_1.3-xTCo_xM, with x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15), which are capable of in-situ nanoparticle exsolution. Specifically, the SFe_1.2TCo_0.1M (x = 0.1) anode demonstrated superior electrocatalytic performance attributed to effective charge compensation and the increase in surface area provided by anchored nanoparticles. This was evidenced by a reduction in polarization impedance to 0.30 Ω·cm², an increase in maximum power density to 627.1 mW/cm², and the absence of degradation or carbon deposition during a 500-h anti‑carbon stability test. This approach significantly enhances the performance of perovskite anode materials, and improves propane utilization in SOFCs.