Ceria nanoparticles as promoters of CO2 electroreduction on Ni/YSZ: An efficient preparation strategy and insights into the catalytic promotion mechanism

Since many decades nickel yttria-stabilized zirconia cermet (Ni/YSZ) has been the most frequently used fuel electrode material for high temperature solid oxide cells (SOCs). However, in recent years there considerable effort to improve Ni/YSZ performance through surface engineering. In this work, we report a simple strategy apply nanosized un-doped (CeO x ) and Ni-doped (NiCeO y ceria particles into porous electrodes via infiltration from hexane solution. Detailed characterization of their solution revealed differences ease agglomeration, with NiCeO nanoparticles being better dispersed thus forming smaller aggregates. This property is critical effectiveness filling pores consequent deposition. particular, morphological microstructural reveals that decorate uniformly backbone, deep up interface electrolyte. More importantly, can be done relatively loading per infiltration/co-firing step. Electrochemical tests demonstrate infiltrated have improved I-V CO 2 electrolysis as compared pristine Ni/YSZ. Synchrotron-based operando NAP-XPS experiments using both soft tender X-rays formation an ultrathin Ni-Ce 3+ layer on surface, which rationalize ameliorated performance. A engineer pre-fabricated promote electroreduction over composed metallic Ni Ce ions. • Infiltration containing nanoparticles. Significant loadings are achieved after single improves curves CO2 electrolysis. The promotion mechanism explained by analysis.