Abstract
Strategic priorities in the field of hydrogen energy include the design of intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells capable of highly efficient operation in the temperature range of 573–973 K. Consequently, attempts are being made to replace the widely applied cubic zirconia electrolyte with an electrolyte consisting of tetragonal zirconia. The rationale for this approach is that 3Y-TZP exhibits higher mechanical strength and higher electrical conductivity at temperatures below 973 K. The addition of Al2O3 in an amount that exceeds its solubility limit in 3Y-TZP has been found to result in increased electrical conductivity and improved mechanical properties. The aim of the study was to synthesize 3-YSZ powder via co-precipitation and use it to obtain composites with a 3Y-TZP matrix and 0.5 mol.% or 1.0 mol.% of Al2O3 inclusions. The correlation between these samples' electrical conductivity and resistance to brittle fracture and their phase composition and microstructure was investigated by means of X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Vickers indentation tests. For comparison, the properties of composites with an 8-YSZ matrix and Al2O3 inclusions were also investigated. It was determined that the composite based on the 3Y-TZP matrix and containing 0.5 mol.% of Al2O3 inclusions can be considered a viable alternative for 8-YSZ electrolytes in IT-SOFC applications.
Highlights
In a balanced power system based on renewable energy sources, which are invariably characterized by fluctuations in power output, the ability to effectively store energy over longer periods is crucial
It was demonstrated that tetragonal 3-YSZ and cubic 8-YSZ powders are suitable precursors for the preparation of dense composite samples containing inert alumina inclusions in a zirconia matrix
The influence of alumina inclusion at concentrations of 0.5 and 1.0 mol.% on the structure and morphology of 3Y-TZP and 8-YSZ samples obtained through 2 h of sintering in air at 1773 K was investigated
Summary
In a balanced power system based on renewable energy sources, which are invariably characterized by fluctuations in power output, the ability to effectively store energy over longer periods is crucial. A frequently proposed solution for energy storage is the application of hydrogen as an energy carrier. Its advantages include high power density, suitability for long-term storage, and the fact that carbon dioxide is not released during its conversion to electrical energy. Hydrogen obtained during the electrolysis of water conducted using surplus energy generated from renewable energy sources may be utilized not just to balance power systems, and in industrial or transport-related applications.[1] The cornerstone of hydrogen energy is fuel cell technology. Fuel cells are electrochemical devices which directly convert
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