Barium Zirconate Thin-film Electrolyte for High Temperature Proton Conducting Cells

Abstract

High temperature fuel cells and electrolysis cells belong to the key technologies for the energy transition. As proton conducting materials, doped barium zirconate are applied as electrolyte materials for solid oxide cells (SOCs) in the process of hydrogenation or dehydrogenation of gases at temperatures up to 600 °C. Nowadays, PCC technology still confronts many challenges, such as the material selection and the development of large robust cells with gas-tight electrolyte. Here we propose an innovative concept for planar PCCs as electrochemical energy conversion devices operated at moderate temperatures (400-600°C). Since the robustness of NiO-YSZ outperforms the NiO-BaZrO3, tape-cast NiO-YSZ substrates are used as support for electrodes and electrolyte layers. Precursor materials for the electroyte are deposited on the porous NiO-YSZ substrates through wet chemical routes. Half cells with doped barium zirconate layers are fabricated after the thermal treatments at 1400 oC. In this work, we present the manufacturing strategy designed for anode supported cell with thin film electrolyte. Progress in the development of each compartment including thin film electrolyte and electrodes - both fuel and air electrodes - will be given. Prospects and challenges will be discussed.