Fast ion channels for crab shell-based electrolyte fuel cells

Abstract 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 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3 (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.