Ni-doping strategy for perovskite anodes towards high-performance ammonia-fueled SOFCs

The adoption of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) offers a promising pathway toward clean energy conversion. This study investigates the performance of Ni-doped Sr 1.9 Fe 1.5-x Ni x Mo 0.5 O 6-δ perovskite anodes with surface decoration by exsolved FeNi 3 nanoparticles. By varying the Ni content, the research identifies the optimal doping level (x = 0.2), which maximizes ammonia conversion efficiency while minimizing electrode polarization resistance. This anode demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving a peak power density (PPD) of 516 mW cm⁻ 2 at 800 °C under ammonia fuel alongside a high ammonia conversion rate of 99.6 %. Moreover, the anode exhibited a low polarization resistance (0.15 Ω cm 2 ) and an electrical efficiency of 39.7 %, highlighting its robustness and effectiveness for sustainable energy systems. These findings emphasize the potential of surface-decorated Ni-doped perovskite anodes to enable the transition to carbon-free energy systems by effectively utilizing ammonia as a green alternative fuel in SOFCs. • Exsolved FeNi₃ nanoparticles enhance catalytic and electrocatalytic activity. • High ammonia conversion efficiency with optimized Ni doping level. • Achieved 516 mW cm⁻ 2 power at 800 °C with NH₃ fuel and PPDr of 0.965 compared to H 2 . • Large area DA-SOFC shows 39.7 % electrical efficiency for sustainable energy systems. • Promotes DA-SOFCs as a pathway to carbon-free energy transition.