Symmetrical solid oxide cells (s-SOC) present several advantages compared to typical configuration, as a reduction of sintering steps or a better thermomechanical compatibility between the electrodes and the electrolyte. Different mixed ionic-electronic conductors (MIEC) have been reported as suitable candidates for symmetrical configuration, allowing operations under steam electrolysis (SOEC) or co-electrolysis (co-SOEC) without the use of reducing safe gas (typically employed in SoA nickel based cells). In the present study, Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6−δ (SFM) electrodes are deposited on both sides of YbScSZ tapes previously coated with a Ce1-xGdxO1.9 (GDC) barrier layer grown by PLD. Electrode sintering temperature is optimized and fixed at 1200 °C by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements in symmetrical atmosphere. The cell is then characterized at 900 °C in SOEC and co-SOEC modes without the use of any safe gas obtaining high current densities of 1.4 and 1.1 A cm−2 at 1.3 V respectively. Short-term reversibility is finally proven by switching the gas atmosphere between the cathode and anode sides while keeping the electrolysis conditions. Similar performances are obtained in both configurations.
