ZnO/MgZnO heterostructure membrane with type II band alignment for ceramic fuel cells

Semiconductor membrane fuel cells are a new promising R&D for solid oxide and proton ceramic cells. There is challenge of the electronic short circuit issue by using semiconductor to replace conventional electrolyte membrane. In this work, type II band alignment heterostructure based on Mg-doped ZnO can, one hand, block electrons passing through junction, other trigger ionic properties boost cell performance. The Mg doping into creates more oxygen vacancies at surface ZnO, leading enhanced transport, meaningful performance 673 mW/cm2; while ZnO/ZnO has delivered 997 mW/cm2 OCV 1.04 V 520 oC. It worth highlighting that constructed interface, especially bending constituted build-in electric field, plays pivotal role in enhancing transport suppressing electron internal device. First principal calculations density functional theory confirmed formation with help charge carriers separations. This work suggests or useful developing advanced