Development of a double-layered perovskite as alternative anode material for high temperature steam electrolysis
Abstract
The research presented is based on alternative anode materials for high
temperature steam electrolysis. The key to commercially viable renewable
energy economy is based on energy storage of intermittent sources. Hydrogen
is the preferred form of energy storage for solid oxide electrolysis cells.
However, conventional anode material lanthanum strontium manganite
(LSM), suffers from poor ionic conductivity, thus prohibiting much of the
bulk electrode from providing an enhanced electrochemical performance.
This study explores the use of a double-layered perovskite system with
mixed electronic and ionic conductivity for use as anode material.
Specifically, the SmBa₁₋ₓSrₓCo₂O[sub](5+δ) system (SBSCO) is analyzed for
characteristics that may enhance the performance and feasibility of SBSCO as
an alternative anode material to LSM. Previous in-house work showed
SmBa₀.₅Sr₀.₅Co₂O[sub](5+δ) had the lowest area specific resistance of any double-
layered material reported. Here the system is further explored by studying the
full range of compositions.
From X-ray diffraction analysis, increased Sr substitution leads to a
tetragonal phase change in SBSCO. High temperature x-ray diffraction of
compositions showed thermal stability of structure. Magnetization
measurements are reported for selected compositions.
The stability of SBSCO was examined in CO₂ containing atmospheres.
Despite containing alkaline earth metals, the system offers limited CO₂
tolerance. A set of thermodynamic parameters is presented based on CO₂
partial pressure and temperature. Model indicates SBSCO is a stable electrode
material for both electrolysis and fuel cell modes.
Compositions were tested for steam electrolysis performance with the use
of YSZ electrolyte, and Ni-YSZ and La₀.₄Sr₀.₄Ni₀.₀₆Ti₀.₉₄O₂.₉₄ cathodes.
SmBa₀.₃Sr₀.₇Co₂O[sub](5+δ) had the highest performance for compositions (0≤x≤1)
based on I-V curves and impedance measurements. Stability tests were
conducted in potentiostatic mode and no delamination was observed for
SBSCO in microstructural analysis after testing. From these studies, SBSCO
is demonstrated to be a suitable for application in electrolysis and an
alternative for LSM as anode material.
Type
Thesis, PhD Doctor of Philosophy
Rights
Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/
Embargo Date: Print and electronic copy restricted until 5th November 2016
Embargo Reason: Thesis restricted in accordance with University regulations
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