7.2 Electrochemistry: Triple Conducting Oxides for Electrochemical Energy Conversion and Storage
Abstract
We propose to develop a novel class of electrochemically-active oxide materials that simultaneously conduct protons, oxygen ions, and electron holes (or electrons). These Òtriple conducting oxidesÓ, or TCOs, have the potential to dramatically increase the performance and functionality of a range of DoD-relevant electrochemical energy conversion devices including fuel cells, electrolyzers, permeation membranes, and electrochemical membrane reactors. Perhaps even more intriguingly, TCOs could also provide the foundation for completely new types of devicesÑincluding electrochemical diodes, Òuphill diffusionÓ membranes, and novel electrochemical sensors. TCO materials are in their infancyÑinitial disclosures from our lab and two others on these unique materials have emerged only in the last several years. Thus, there are rich opportunities for systematic compositional exploration and the development of a scientific framework to characterize and understand these promising new materials. The genesis of this proposal stems from our recent, exciting discovery of a mixed proton, oxygen-ion, and electron-hole conducting oxide for use as the cathode of a protonic ceramic fuel cell (PCFC). This TCO cathode has led to the highest intermediate-temperature PCFC performance ever reported (720 mW/cm2 at 600 oC) and has enabled operation at temperatures as low as 350 oCÑnearly unprecedented for a ceramic fuel cell device. A group from Korea recently reported on the discovery of a different TCO material which also resulted in exceptional performance when used in cathode of a PCFC (690 mW/cm2 at 600 oC). These two exciting results underscore the promise of TCOs; however, very little is currently known about their basic properties and electrochemical behavior. The work outlined in this proposal aims to address this issue by developing a scientific foundation for the study of TCOs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1710051
Entities
People
- Ryan Ohayre
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Colorado School of Mines
- United States Army