Smart materials for electrochemical cells operating at high temperatures

Abstract

This proposal concerns with the development of novel non-noble metal catalysts for solid oxide electrochemical cells. The materials suggested are based on cermets (Ni-alloys combined with doped ceria) or Ni-doped perovskites (Co or Fe based), which will be used as a functional layer for the fuel electrode of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC). Based on the knowledge established in the framework of a recent PVE "Pesquisador Visitante Especial" project (process CNPq nº402180/2012-7), the proposed research activities would include to: i) investigate further electrode materials in the framework of the thematic project (Fapesp, Proc. 2013/16930-7), with the aim of reducing the temperature of operation from 800 °C (the investigated temperature of our previous cooperation) to 500-700 °C; ii) improve the fuel utilization by the characterization of the effluents leaving the fuel anodes; iii) use a promoting layer for the fuel electrode of the SOEC in order to improve the co-electrolysis of CO2 and H2O directly to methane and reduce the amount of H2 needed to maintain Ni under metallic state. While the targets i) and ii) concerns with a further improvement of the results achieved during our previous cooperation by investigating new catalytic formulations, the activity iii) is a novel approach and aims to improve the understanding or prediction of processes occurring under SOEC operation especially concerning with the selectivity towards the production of fuels different than H2 and CO. Above all, the final goal of this proposal is the improvement of bilateral research activities in the light of opening research calls as in the case of H2020 programs devoted to the cooperation between EU and Brazil. (AU)