Fast ion channels for crab shell-based electrolyte fuel cells

Biomaterials possess abundant micro and macrospores in their microstructures, which can be functionalized as higher ion-transport channels. Herein we report calcined crab shell (CCS)forming nanocomposites with La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O₃ (LSCF)perovskite as functional electrolytes for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LTSOFCs). The single CCS electrolyte fuel cell achieved open circuit voltage (OCV)at 0.9 V and a peak power density of 70 mW cm⁻² at 550 °C; while the highest OCV of 1.21 V and a maximum power density of 440 mW cm⁻² were achieved for the CCS-LSCF (40 wt. % LSCF)electrolyte fuel cell. The results are attributed to the ion channel construction and interface effect built in the CCS-LSCF composite. This work may provide a new strategy to develop novel biomaterial-based materials for LTSOFCs.