India ERA-NET - Multi-Functional Nanocomposite Materials for Low-temperature Ceramic Fuel Cells

In this project UiO has investigated novel nanocomposite electrolytes for intermediate temperature fuel cells in collaboration with partners in India, Turkey, Portugal, and Finland. UiO has focused on studies to unravel the charge carriers and transport mechanisms in the composites. Nanocomposites consisting of a gadolinia-doped-ceria (GDC) and a eutectic mixture of sodium and lithium carbonates have been investigated for determination of the partial ionic conductivities that contribute at operating temperatures of up to 600°C. This has comprised electromotive force concentration cell measurements and impedance spectroscopy in controlled atmospheres. Special focus has been put on the assessment of possible protonic conduction in these nanocomposite electrolytes. So far, results indicate that lithium, carbonate, and oxide ions play significant roles, while the protonic conduction is of varying significance and mainly due to hydroxide ions. In the later stages of the project UiO has studied and reach new understanding of adsorption of water and protonic transport on surfaces of oxides, which gives a fundament for understanding composites made from similar porous oxides. The international partners have made and tested lab-scale fuel cells based on the materials studied in the project. UiO has had student and researcher exchanges with all international academic partners. The research done is under publication.

low-temperature ceramic fuel cell (LTCFC) is a highly potential and efficient energy conversion technology for sustainable energy production and utilising renewable energy sources. The state-of-the-art electrolyte material, yttria-stabilised-zirconia has the drawback that it requires a high operation temperature (>800°C) to reach good ionic conductivity. Nanocomposite materials such as ceria-based composites have been demonstrated as promising electrolyte with enhanced stability and conductivity for SOFC operating at lower temperatures (300-600°C) and reaching good power densities. This project aims as providing material optimisation, performance enhancement and durability through the use of multifunctional nanocomposite materials consisting of a functio nal ceramic phase and a (molten) carbonate phase. This project includes the nanomaterials synthesis, materials characterisation, device fabrication and testing, and also some modelling activities, in order to developing durable materials and build fuel ce ll demonstration unit delivering 25W.