1.1
Fuel cells
Keywords
Fuel cells, renewable energy, intermediate
temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT SOFC),
cathodes, mixed-ionic electronic conductors,
ionic conductor electrolytes
Expertise
Drawing on the breadth and depth of expertise across
campus, the University’s scientists and engineers are
working together to identify new candidate materials for
fuel cell systems.
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) require electrodes that
conduct both oxide ions and electrons (mixed
conductors) and catalyse the reactions at the anode
and cathode of the cell. These fuel cells also need
electrolytes which conduct only oxide ions (or protons
in related fuel cell systems). Our role is to identify
new candidate materials with these properties and
understand the chemical and structural factors which
contribute to their performance.
We have identified new mixed conducting oxides and
are now evaluating them in fuel cell assemblies and have
recently reported the discovery of new highly conducting
oxide ion conductors based on interstitial excess oxide
ions. This work involves new materials synthesis,
characterisation of structures to identify key property-
controlling features and evaluation of the electron and
ion transport properties.
Our research looks at the properties of materials and
aims to understand their chemical and structural
characteristics. Promising new mixed conducting oxides
and highly conducting oxide ion conductors are now
being tested in experimental fuel cell assemblies.
As SOFC technology matures and new applications are
identified (eg mobile power generation), we are looking
to develop the next generation of SOFC materials. These
new materials will deliver improved performance, have
increased durability and lifetime, and reduce the cost of
commercialisation.
The University delivers high-throughput materials
discovery, development and characterisation, specifically
in mixed-ionic conductors for cathodes and pure ionic
conductors for electrolytes.
Capabilities and facilities
•
Specialist knowledge and synthesis of mixed
conducting oxides and highly conducting oxide ion
conductors
•
High-throughput materials discovery
•
Screen printing and pulsed laser deposition (PLD)
for cell processing
•
Test rig for oxygen gas membrane measurements
•
Fuel cell characterisation (impedance with
current-voltage measurements and by oxygen flux
measurements of permeation membranes).
Relevant centres and groups
•
Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy
•
Centre for Materials Discovery
•
Knowledge Centre for Materials Chemistry.
Energy & Sustainability
69
1.
Renewable Energy
Also see:
Materials, Advanced Design &
Manufacturing
–
4.4
High-throughput materials
discovery, page 104
APPLICATION AREAS
•
Energy
•
Biotechnology
•
Food supply
•
Healthcare and pharmaceuticals
•
Nanotechnology and
advanced materials
•
Built environment
•
Defence and security
•
Electronics and electrical systems
•
High value manufacturing
•
Civil engineering
•
Electronics and electrical systems
•
Information and communication
technology (ICT)
•
Transport and infrastructure
•
Sustainability
