Overview

The aim of this research is to understand the degradation and lifetime fundamentals of the high (700–900 ^oC) temperature H₂O electrolysis and to a certain extent for the H₂O/CO₂ co-electrolysis. The project is focusing on both of the Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) electrodes, for minimization of their degradation and improvement of their performance and stability mainly under high temperature H₂O electrolysis for the production of H₂ and to a certain extent under H₂O/CO₂ co- electrolysis conditions for the production of syngas (H₂ and CO).

Scientific Concept

The problem

Global electricity production is mainly based on fossil fuels, leading to significant rise of atmospheric CO₂ concentrations and depletion of carbon-based energy resources.

S & T challenges

⚈ Development of efficient, durable fuel (cathode) electrodes, tolerant to degradation (e.g. re-oxidation and carbon deposition) for their use in H₂O and H₂O/CO₂ applications.

⚈ Development of durable SOEC air (anode) electrodes by applying new materials.

⚈ Advanced (in-situ and ex-situ) physicochemical and complete electrochemical characterization of electrocatalysts and SOEC assemblies.

Prime Objectives

⚈ Improvement/development of new more efficient cathodes (H₂O electrode) and anodes (air/O₂ electrode) primarily for the reaction of H₂O electrolysis and in a certain extent for H₂O/CO₂ co-electrolysis.

⚈ Understanding the reaction mechanisms and processes that cause degradation on both SOEC electrodes, by combining experiments with theoretical modeling over an extended range of operating conditions.

Consortium

⚈ 5 different countries.

⚈ 4 Research Centers, 1 University and 2 High-tech SMEs.