Synthesis of cobalt-doped barium cerate-zirconate and its evaluation for hydrogen production and electrochemical characterization

Cobalt-doped barium cerate-zirconate was synthesized using an oxalate co-precipitation route. The material was characterized using X-ray diffraction, transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy coupled with X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. Results indicated that homogeneous cubic phase material was obtained at very high heat-treatment temperatures. Catalytic activity of the material toward CH3OH partial-oxidation was tested at different temperatures and O2:CH3OH ratios. High hydrogen yields were obtained indicating that the material was a suitable catalyst for hydrogen generation. Impedance spectroscopy tests were conducted at different conditions to understand conduction processes occurring in the material. Results suggested mixed protonic-electronic conductivity in the presence of hydrogen. Thus, material is a potential candidate for the bi-functional role of electro-ceramic catalyst for simultaneous hydrogen generation and purification. © 2010 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC.