Double-Electrolyte SOC Chip With Micro Gas Paths and Sealing Strength

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solid oxide cell (SOC) technologies face challenges in achieving a balance between structural strength and efficient gas transport, leading to limitations in electrode reaction rate and overall efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The development of a SOC chip with a double-electrolyte structure and regularly arranged micro gas paths within the inner electrode, which enhances gas transport and structural strength, thereby improving the SOC's efficiency and yield.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the electrolyte is made thinner to reduce ion transport resistance, then the electrical efficiency is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion transport resistanceVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The single electrolyte layer is segmented into two thinner electrolyte layers separated by an inner electrode. This segmentation allows each electrolyte layer to be thinner (reducing ion transport resistance) while the combined structure with the inner electrode provides sufficient structural strength. The inner electrode acts as a structural support between the two electrolyte layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The SOC chip employs a composite structure consisting of two electrolyte layers, an inner electrode, and intermediate layers. This composite structure combines the advantages of thin electrolytes (low resistance) with the mechanical strength of the inner electrode and intermediate layers, resolving the contradiction between electrical efficiency and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If gas paths are made larger to improve gas transport, then the gas flow rate is improved, but the structural strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas flow rateVSAvoidstructural strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Gas paths are introduced only in the inner electrode region where they are needed for gas transport, while the electrolyte regions maintain their integrity for structural strength. The intermediate layers are selectively placed to provide local reinforcement without blocking gas flow paths, achieving local optimization of both gas transport and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Intermediate layers are introduced as intermediary structures between the gas paths and the electrolyte. These intermediate layers provide structural reinforcement and sealing functions, allowing larger gas paths to exist in the inner electrode without compromising the overall structural strength of the SOC chip.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single electrolyte structure is used to simplify the device, then the device complexity is reduced, but the gas transport efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrolyte structure complexityVSAvoidgas transport efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrolyte structure is segmented into two layers with an inner electrode in between, creating distinct regions for different functions. The first electrolyte layer handles gas transport from the first gas path, while the second electrolyte layer handles gas transport from the second gas path, improving overall gas transport efficiency without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner electrode serves multiple functions: it acts as a separator between the two electrolyte layers, provides structural support, facilitates gas transport through its gas paths, and enables electrical connection between electrodes. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by delivering multiple benefits simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Strength

If the inner electrode is made thicker to provide structural support, then the structural strength is improved, but the gas transport resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidgas transport resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The inner electrode is designed with a porous structure containing regularly arranged gas paths. This porous structure allows the inner electrode to maintain sufficient thickness for structural strength while providing low-resistance pathways for gas transport. The porosity enables gas to flow through the electrode thickness without excessive resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The SOC chip achieves reduced gas resistance, improved electrode reaction thoroughness, and enhanced electrical efficiency, while maintaining sufficient structural strength to prevent rupture during operation and assembly.

Implementation Method 1

its conductivity should be achieved as much as possible through ion rather than electron migration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon migration:

Implementation Method 2

during heat treatment, the gas path precursor is gasified and escapes to leave regular and even gas paths in the SOC chip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGasification: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

reduction: putting, after the preparation of the intermediate layer, the SOC chip into a reduction furnace to reduce a nickel oxide in the inner electrode into nickel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Data Source

PatentEP4243129B1Solid oxide cell chip with double-electrolyte structure and preparation method
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 ZHEJIANG ZHENTAI ENERGY TECH CO LTD
  • EP4243129B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4243129B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4243129B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a solid oxide cell (SOC) chip with the double-electrolyte structure and a preparation method thereof, and belongs to the technical field of electrochemistry. The SOC chip with the double-electrolyte structure includes two electrolytes, where the two electrolytes are separated by an inner electrode sandwiched between the two electrolytes; a plurality of regularly arranged gas paths is provided in the inner electrode; at least two sides of the inner electrode are covered with side sealing members; outer surfaces of the electrolytes are provided with outer surface elements; the outer surface elements include an intermediate layer, an outer electrode, an inner electrode plate, and an outer electrode plate; the inner electrode is connected to the inner electrode plate; and the outer electrode is connected to the outer electrode plate. The side sealing members each are provided with a multi-layer structure, including an inner sub-layer and an outer sub-layer. The inner sub-layer increases a leaking resistance of a gas flowing through the inner electrode, and is different from the outer sub-layer in terms of material composition and structure. The outer sub-layer plays a role of sealing the gas leaking after depressurization and maintains a high structural strength.