Proton-Conducting Solid Oxide Cell Oxygen Electrode for Faster ORR/OER

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reversible solid oxide cells (rSOCs) face challenges with sluggish oxygen reduction and evolution reaction kinetics, and degradation issues due to harsh environments, particularly high humidity and chromium contamination, which affect their efficiency and longevity.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a perovskite oxide material coated with a Pr1−xCo1−yO3 catalyst into the oxygen electrode and using a proton conducting electrolyte, such as BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δ, to enhance reaction rates and resistance to degradation, with a method involving infiltration of the catalyst into the electrode to form a stable and efficient solid oxide cell.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional oxygen ion conductor based reversible solid oxide cells are used, then energy storage and conversion can be achieved, but sluggish oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction kinetics occur at the air electrode

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction kineticsVSAvoidreaction rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the ionic conduction mechanism parameter from oxygen ion conduction to proton conduction by using a proton-conducting electrolyte (BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3-δ). This fundamental parameter change transforms the electrochemical reactions, enabling faster kinetics for oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions at the air electrode while maintaining energy storage and conversion functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If conventional air electrode materials are used, then the cell structure can be maintained, but significant degradation occurs under harsh environments such as high concentration of steam and chromium contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresistance to degradationVSAvoiddegradation from steam and chromium contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses chromium-contaminated perovskite oxide materials that would normally be considered harmful waste products. By incorporating chromium into the perovskite structure, the patent transforms this harmful contamination into a beneficial effect where chromium stabilizes the perovskite phase and enhances the material's resistance to further degradation from steam and additional chromium contamination, thereby improving air electrode durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material strategies by using perovskite oxide materials with specific compositions (Pr1-xCoxO3-δ and BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3-δ) that combine multiple elements to achieve synergistic effects. These composite materials provide both high proton conductivity and exceptional stability against steam and chromium contamination, resolving the degradation issue while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If the oxygen electrode is exposed to harsh environments, then the cell can operate in electrolysis mode, but significant degradation occurs over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation in electrolysis modeVSAvoidoperational lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameter by using a proton-conducting electrolyte instead of an oxygen-ion conducting electrolyte. This enables the cell to operate efficiently in electrolysis mode with stable performance over extended periods. The proton conduction mechanism fundamentally alters the electrochemical reactions at the electrodes, allowing for durable electrolysis operation without the degradation issues that plague conventional oxygen-ion conducting cells.

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

The solution significantly improves the power density and current density of the solid oxide cell, achieving a peak power density of at least 1.6 W/cm2 at 650°C in fuel cell mode and maintaining negligible degradation for 250 hours in electrolysis mode, while reducing polarization resistance and enhancing stability against chromium contamination.

Implementation Method 1

the oxygen electrode includes a perovskite oxide material coated with a catalyst; wherein the catalyst includes Pr1−xCo1−yO3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCatalysis: Catalysis

Implementation Method 2

wherein the electrolyte is a proton conducting electrolyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonic conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240088402A1Solid Oxide Cell

Publication Date: 2024.03.14 PHILLIPS 66 CO

AI summary

A solid oxide cell (SOC) includes a fuel electrode, an oxygen electrode, and an electrolyte. In some embodiments, the solid oxide cell is a reversible proton conducting solid oxide cell (P-rSOC). In some embodiments, the oxygen electrode is a perovskite oxide material having a formula such as PrBa0.8Ca0.2Co2O5+δ, PrBa0.9Co1.96Nb0.04O5, PrBaCo1.6Fc0.2Nb0.2−xO5+δ, PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.5Fe0.5O5+δ (PBSCF), or PrBaCo2O5+δ (PBC) and it is coated with a perovskite oxide catalyst such as PrCoO3.