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DOE OSTI · 1971069

Proton-Conducting Ceramic Electrolyzers for High-Temperature Water Splitting

Ghezel-Ayagh, Hossein
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Abstract

This project is centered on an exciting new class of proton-conducting ceramic materials that are emerging from the laboratory to play important roles in the commercial sector. While proton-conducting ceramics have been studied since the early 1980s, the unique properties of these materials are only now being harnessed to address societal challenges. The objective of this project is to develop advanced high-temperature water splitting (HTWS) systems for production of hydrogen at a cost less than $2 / kg H2. The specific objectives include development of efficient and durable electrolytic cells and stacks using innovative proton-conducting ceramic materials and operating at a temperature ≥ 500°C. The technical performance targets for the electrolysis stack include: specific resistance of ≤ 0.30 Ω cm 2 , stack electrical efficiency > 95% LHV H2 with current density > 1 A / cm 2 , and a projected stack lifetime of ≥ 7 years. In this program, FuelCell Energy (FCE) teamed with Colorado School of Mines (CSM) to deliver a novel protonic-ceramic electrolysis cell (PCEC) stack capable of producing over 1 kg H2 / day. These targets were demonstrated in an HTWS stack with a capacity for producing ≥1 kg H2 / day.

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08 HYDROGENCeramicElectrolysisFuel CellHigh TemperatureHydrogenPCECProton Conducting

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Ghezel-Ayagh, Hossein. 2022-10-10. Proton-Conducting Ceramic Electrolyzers for High-Temperature Water Splitting. https://doi.org/10.2172/1971069

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