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DOE OSTI · 2566210

Improving durability and performance of solid oxide electrolyzers by controlling surface composition on oxygen electrodes

Liu, Bill [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States)]·Grajkowski, Filip [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States)]·Koohfar, Sanaz [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States)]·Yildiz, Bilge [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States)]·Springer, Renaldo [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)]·Le, Long [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)]·Belko, Seraphim [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)]·Liu, Tian [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)]·Coyle, Christopher [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)]·Marina, Olga [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)]·Elangovan, Elango [OxEon Energy, LLC, North Salt Lake, UT (United States)]·Hafen, Tyler [OxEon Energy, LLC, North Salt Lake, UT (United States)]·Pike, Jenna [OxEon Energy, LLC, North Salt Lake, UT (United States)]
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Abstract

Solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) is a promising technology for high-efficiency energy conversion, enabling the production of hydrogen, syngas, synthetic fuels, and various commodity chemicals. Unlike traditional thermochemical processes, SOECs operate at elevated temperatures (600-850°C), benefiting from favorable thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. This makes them highly energy efficient compared to alkaline or polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) electrolysis technologies. However, despite these advantages, SOECs face significant challenges related to performance degradation over time. A primary issue is the degradation of the oxygen electrode due to strontium (Sr) segregation and impurity poisoning from chromium (Cr) and sulfur (S). This is because the pathway to deposition of Cr and S include the reaction of Cr and S with the segregated SrO at the surface. Sr segregation leads to the formation of insulating compounds such as SrCrO4 and SrSO4, which block active sites, reduce oxygen exchange rates, and compromise the electrode's electrochemical stability. The degradation mechanisms involve complex interactions between the electrode material's surface chemistry, microstructure, and the operating environment. Sr segregation is particularly problematic because it facilitates the deposition of Cr and S impurities, exacerbating performance losses. Addressing these issues is critical to enhancing the durability and economic viability of SOEC technology. The primary goal of this project is to improve the durability and performance of SOECs by controlling the surface composition of the oxygen electrode. This is achieved by suppressing Sr segregation, thereby mitigating impurity poisoning pathways. The project aims to enhance the oxygen exchange rate, improve cell stability, and extend the operational lifespan of SOECs without necessitating major changes to electrode chemistry or stack components.

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Liu, Bill [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States)], Grajkowski, Filip [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States)], Koohfar, Sanaz [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States)], Yildiz, Bilge [Massachusetts Inst. of Technology (MIT), Cambridge, MA (United States)], Springer, Renaldo [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)], Le, Long [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)], Belko, Seraphim [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)], Liu, Tian [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)], Coyle, Christopher [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)], Marina, Olga [Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), Richland, WA (United States)], Elangovan, Elango [OxEon Energy, LLC, North Salt Lake, UT (United States)], Hafen, Tyler [OxEon Energy, LLC, North Salt Lake, UT (United States)], Pike, Jenna [OxEon Energy, LLC, North Salt Lake, UT (United States)]. 2025-04-02. Improving durability and performance of solid oxide electrolyzers by controlling surface composition on oxygen electrodes. https://doi.org/10.2172/2566210

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