Development of highly efficient nanostructured SOFCs integrating novel Ln(Nb,Ta)O4-based proton conducting oxides

The project takes as starting point the development of new patented proton conducting oxides, synthesis routes, and fabrication of fuel cell prototypes under the NANOMAT FOET project, and applies nano-engineering to improve the properties of materials and interfaces. Planar protonic fuel cells will be designed as nano-structured multilayers, each partially or totally composed of rare earth niobate-tantalates, Ln(Nb,Ta)O4, taking advantage of their good mechanical and chemical stability. The project addres ses composition, microstructure, chemical and thermal expansions, mechanical strength on layered components in order to design nano-composite porous electrodes and thin dense films so as to reduce bulk and interfacial strains and resistances, thereby lead ing to long term stable efficient fuel cells. Protonic devices with semi-industrial dimensions will be developed along with relevant sealing technology to evaluate power densities under realistic operating conditions. The production will be based on spray -pyrolysis and combination of tape-casting, spray-coating, sol-gel and screen-printing techniques. Flash sintering technique will be applied to prepare dense nano-ceramics for screening nano-materials properties. Models describing electrode processes in n ano-porous composites and the behaviour of the entire fuel cell under operation will contribute to establish correlations between layers microstructure and design and the overall efficiency. Results will be patented as possible and disseminated to Norwegi an industry including SME, in addition to regular publication. The project is led by Dept. Energy Conversion and Materials, SINTEF, with supporting activities from Dept. Chemistry, UiO, Dept. Materials Science and Engineering, NTNU, and the French Nationa l Platform, PNF2. The project educates one PhD candidate and provides one recruiting position.