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A research team has developed a new synthesis method that can significantly reduce the sintering temperature required for the densification process of electrolytes in next-generation high-efficiency protonic ceramic cells. Their work is published in the journal Advanced Energy Materials.

Existing solid oxide cells (SOC) can produce electricity in fuel cell operation and hydrogen in electrolysis operation. Notably, they operate at high temperatures above 600°C, offering higher power conversion efficiency compared to other fuel cells. However, the downside is the high production cost due to the need for materials that can withstand high temperatures, as well as performance degradation over time due to thermal deterioration.

Recently, protonic ceramic cells (PCCs), which utilize proton (hydrogen ion) transport instead of oxygen ions, have emerged as next-generation energy conversion devices such as fuel cells and electrolyzers. Unlike conventional oxygen ion-conducting electrolytes, PCCs transport the smaller hydrogen ions, enabling higher ionic conductivity.

However, to produce the electrolyte for PCCs, sintering at temperatures above 1,500°C is required. During this process, component evaporation or precipitation occurs, degrading the electrolyte's ion-conducting properties, which has been a major obstacle to the commercialization of PCCs.

The dual-phase proton ceramic electrolyte produced by the low-temperature synthesis process exhibits enhanced sintering characteristics, enabling a reduction in the sintering temperature of conventional processes. As a result, the intrinsic properties of the electrolyte can be realized in the device, improving cell performance. Credit: Korea Institute of Science and Technology

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