Demonstration of high performance and enhanced electrochemical investigations of MnFe2O4-ZnO fuel cell device for fast ionic transport

Achieving high ionic conductivity at reduced temperatures presents a critical challenge in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) research. The primary objective is the development of innovative electrolytes characterized by higher ion transport, thereby leading to enhanced ionic conductivity. In this context, we have fabricated a nanocomposite electrolyte featuring a heterostructure composed of the spinel MnFe2O4 (MFO) and hexagonal ZnO (MFO-ZnO) to facilitate rapid ion transport at lower operating temperatures. This study initially delves into the structural, morphological, optical, and interfacial properties of prepared MFO-ZnO fuel cell devices. Subsequently, our fabricated device exhibits remarkable performance, with a peak power density of 750 mW & sdot;cm2 and a notably high ionic conductivity of 0.12 S/cm at 550 degrees C. This achievement can be attributed to favorable interfacial contacts between MFO and ZnO, along with an elevated concentration of oxygen vacancies resulting in enhanced efficiency of ionic transport. These results strongly indicate that the MFO-ZnO heterostructure holds significant promise as an electrolyte for developing fuel cells that operate at lower temperatures.