SACI_Part 2: advances on smart materials for electrochemical xells operating at Intermediate temperatures

Abstract

An efficient and low-cost device for hydrogen production should mitigate the use of fossil fuels and enhance bioresources in producing this energy vector. Cost and size-dependent performance of commercial electrolysers are the current limits of these technologies for the storage of renewable energy produced locally. By studying novel materials with limited or no content of critical raw materials, SACI_2 pursues the increase in the use of distributed electrolysers for H2 generation. Based on the preliminary results achieved in solid oxide electrochemical cells, the candidate proposes novel dual-ion conductors based on single-phase perovskites with high entropy tailored at doping level to reduce the operating temperature of solid oxide electrolysis cells in the range of 400-700 °C. Conventional and advanced coating methods for cell assembling will be studied and optimized according to the physico-chemical properties of advanced materials and the electrochemical behavior of cells. The suggested research activities aim to demonstrate in the temperature range 400-700 °C the electrolysis of bioethanol to produce H2 and electricity with the highest efficiency compared to the conventional catalytic approaches. This research proposal is in the framework of the Fapesp/Shell project Proc 2020/15230-5 - BG E&P Brasil (Shell)-CPE "Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Innovation - RCG2I", coordinated by Prof. Julio R. Meneghini, subproject "Efficient use of ethanol for the production of hydrogen and electricity" coordinated by Prof. Hamilton Varela and with participation of Prof. Edson A. Ticianelli and Prof. Joelma Perez. (AU)