Synthesis and Evaluation of electrode materials for use in an apatite-based Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Completed

Hydrogen and Fuel Cells(Fuel Cells)

Basic and strategic applied research

PHYSICAL SCIENCES AND MATHEMATICS (Chemistry)

Not Cross-cutting

Dr P Slater
School of Chemistry
University of Birmingham

Standard

EPSRC

07 July 2003

06 August 2006

37 months

£235,530

Materials sciences

West Midlands

Electronic Materials -- Physical Sciences

Dr P Slater, School of Chemistry, University of Birmingham

Professor P Sermon, Chemistry, University of Surrey

Present SOFC design favours the use of yttria stabilised zirconia (YSZ) as the electrolyte, and although good characteristics have been shown with such cells, they are still significant way short of commercial use. In this proposal we aim to investigate the design of an apatite-based SOFC. High oxide ion conduction has been demonstrated in the apatite-type system, La9.33+x(Si/Ge)6026+y, exceeding that of YSZ with suitable compositions variation; therefore they have significant potential for use in SOFCs. The next step for realising this potential is the investigation and design of suitable electrode materials, which is the aim of this project. The cathode/anode properties of composites containing an oxide ion conducting apatite oxide and a ceramic or metal will be investigated. One of the key features of apatite-type phases, which gives them so much potential is the wide range of substitutional possibilities enabling the modification of their properties. In particular we envisage optimising the electrode properties by improving the oxide ion conduction, introducing additional electronic conduction into the apatite, and introducing additional catalytic activity to support the other component of the composite. On the anode side in particular, significant advances are possible, with less deactivation in terms of steam and dry reforming, as well as the strong potential for the direct electrochemical oxidation of hydrocarbons. By the end of the project, we aim to have identified cathode and anode composites with excellent properties, and demonstrated the full potential of an apatite-based SOFC

01/01/07