High-Entropy Perovskite Oxide: A New Opportunity for Developing Highly Active and Durable Air Electrode for Reversible Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells.

Highlights: Synthesis of high-entropy perovskite oxide for air electrode in reversible proton ceramic electrochemical cells. Triple-conducting high-entropy air electrodes exhibit excellent structural stability and oxygen catalytic activity. The peak power density and current density of the cell with high-entropy air electrode in the fuel cell and electrolysis modes are 1.21 W cm⁻² and − 1.95 A cm⁻² at 600 °C, respectively. Reversible proton ceramic electrochemical cell (R-PCEC) is regarded as the most promising energy conversion device, which can realize efficient mutual conversion of electrical and chemical energy and to solve the problem of large-scale energy storage. However, the development of robust electrodes with high catalytic activity is the main bottleneck for the commercialization of R-PCECs. Here, a novel type of high-entropy perovskite oxide consisting of six equimolar metals in the A-site, Pr_1/6La_1/6Nd_1/6Ba_1/6Sr_1/6Ca_1/6CoO_3−δ (PLNBSCC), is reported as a high-performance bifunctional air electrode for R-PCEC. By harnessing the unique functionalities of multiple elements, high-entropy perovskite oxide can be anticipated to accelerate reaction rates in both fuel cell and electrolysis modes. Especially, an R-PCEC utilizing the PLNBSCC air electrode achieves exceptional electrochemical performances, demonstrating a peak power density of 1.21 W cm⁻² for the fuel cell, while simultaneously obtaining an astonishing current density of − 1.95 A cm⁻² at an electrolysis voltage of 1.3 V and a temperature of 600 °C. The significantly enhanced electrochemical performance and durability of the PLNBSCC air electrode is attributed mainly to the high electrons/ions conductivity, fast hydration reactivity and high configurational entropy. This research explores to a new avenue to develop optimally active and stable air electrodes for R-PCECs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]