Proton Conductor Ni-Enriched Composition for Fuel Cell Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing proton conductors in solid oxide fuel cells face a decrease in proton conductivity due to the diffusion of Ni from the fuel electrode, which disrupts the composition ratio and reduces performance, especially at lower temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A proton conductor with a composition formula of BaaZr1-x-yYbxNiyO3-δ, where Ni is added in excess of its solid solubility limit to prevent Ni diffusion and maintain the composition balance, ensuring high proton conductivity by forming NiO in the solid electrolyte membrane.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If Ni is added to improve sinterability and reduce sintering temperature, then manufacturing ease is improved, but proton conductivity decreases due to composition ratio disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesinterabilityVSAvoidproton conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Ni is added in advance during the synthesis process to occupy lattice sites and prevent subsequent Ni diffusion from the fuel electrode. This preliminary incorporation of Ni ensures that the proton conductor maintains its composition balance and high proton conductivity while still benefiting from improved sinterability due to the presence of Ni

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Temperature

If operating temperature is reduced to lower system cost, then device cost is reduced, but proton conductivity is insufficient at lower temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperating temperatureVSAvoidproton conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The composition parameters of the proton conductor are optimized by incorporating Ni in specific amounts (0.05≤y≤0.40 in the formula BaaZr1-x-yYbxNiyO3-δ). This compositional modification enables the material to maintain high proton conductivity at lower operating temperatures, allowing the fuel cell system to operate efficiently at reduced temperatures without sacrificing performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration significantly improves proton conductivity across a wide temperature range, including lower temperatures, by preventing the loss of composition balance and enhancing proton carrier efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the diffusion of Ni from the fuel electrode, which disrupts the composition ratio and reduces performance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

proton conductor that has improved proton conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10763531B2Proton conductor and membrane electrode assembly

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO LTD

AI summary

A proton conductor of the present disclosure has a composition formula of BaaZr1-x-yYbxNiyO3-δ (0.95≤a≤1.05, 0.1≤x≤0.4, and 0.15≤y≤0.30).