To overcome this challenge, a research team led by scientists from Chaozhou Three-Circle (Group) Co., Ltd., Guangzhou University, and the Guangdong Academy of Sciences has engineered a novel three-phase-coexisting La₀.₉Ba₀.₁Co₀.₇Ni₀.₂Ag₀.₁O₃₋δ (LBCNA) anode. By combining a main rhombohedral ABO₃-type perovskite, a Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) phase, and surface-anchored metallic silver (Ag) nanoparticles, the team achieved unprecedented electrochemical activity and stability for high-temperature water splitting. The research findings have been published in ENGINEERING Energy (2026, 20(4): 10887).
Unlocking Synergy Across Bulk and Surface
The researchers discovered that incorporating highly electronegative Ag⁺ ions into the parent perovskite matrix intentionally weakens the metal–oxygen bonds, triggering the exsolution/leaching of cobalt and nickel ions. This self-driven phase transformation forms an RP-type layer alongside metallic Ag nanoparticles (~10 nm in size) uniformly anchored on the oxide surface.
This three-phase architecture works in synergy to address all major limitations of traditional P-SOEC anodes:
Key Highlights and Findings
"By rationally constructing a three-phase-coexisting structure, we successfully addressed both charge transport limitations and sluggish catalytic surface kinetics simultaneously," explained the co-corresponding authors. "This work provides a clear and scalable design strategy for next-generation, high-performance P-SOEC anodes."
About the Research
Journal: ENGINEERING Energy
Read the full article for free: https://rdcu.be/JhyV68upYrba
Cite this article: Zheng, F., Song, C., Wang, Y., Yuan, B., Tang, C., Chen, L., Liu, T., Mao, J., Wang, N., & Ye, S. (2026). Three-phase-coexisting anode enabling high-performance water splitting in protonic solid oxide electrolysis cells. ENGINEERING Energy , 20(4), 10887. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11708-026-1088-7
ENGINEERING Energy
News article
Three-phase-coexisting anode enabling high-performance water splitting in protonic solid oxide electrolysis cells
15-Aug-2026