(Invited) Fast Electrode Kinetics Enabled By New Triple-Conducting Oxides for Both Hydrogen Production and Power Generation Using Reversible Solid Oxide Proton-Conducting Electrochemical Cells

Abstract

Reversible solid oxide proton conducting electrochemical cells (rSO-PCEC)can alleviate the stress of grid shaving, providing an alternative energy storage pathway with high energy efficiency, especially when reduced operating temperature can bring in benefits of enabling less-expensive interconnect materials and mitigated degradation rate. Economically competitive rSO-PCEC systems have distinct advantages over conventional oxygen-ion conducting ceramic electrochemical cells, but further technology development and widespread market acceptance will require continuous innovation of materials in order to improve cell performance, enhance system lifetime and reduce cost. It is more crucial when electrode kinetics becomes sluggish and dominant with reduced temperatures. At Idaho National Laboratory, our focus is to address these material issues to facilitate maturation of rSO-PCEC technology at 400-600oC. Specifically, we highlight our advancement of rSO-PCEC with novel triple conducting electrode materials as steam electrode. Investigation on material properties including electrical, electrochemical and electrocatalytic activity are discussed.