Solid oxide fuel cells of ceria doped with gadolinium and praseodymium

Planar solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) incorporating a single ceria electrolyte element, doubly doped with gadolinium and praseodymium were fabricated, and tested at 700 degrees C. Two fuel cell configurations were investigated, platinum/ceria/platinum and platinum/ceria/perovskite. Argon-4% hydrogen was used at the anode and air at the cathode. The J-V and power density characteristics of these cells are reported; it appears that the doubly eloped ceria also possesses considerable electronic conductivity. Thermogravimetric analysis of the electrolyte in hydrogen shows a chemical reduction of the material beginning at about 700 degrees C.