SOEC Air Electrode Strontium Getter to Prevent SrZrO3 Formation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Strontium (Sr) in the air electrode of solid oxide electrochemical cells (SOECs) reacts with the solid oxide electrolyte materials, forming an insulating SrZrO3 phase, which reduces cell performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a strontium getter material, such as titanium oxide (TiO2), in the air-side electrode to trap strontium and prevent its diffusion into the electrolyte, either through co-firing or split-firing processes, thereby reducing the formation of SrZrO3.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If strontium-containing materials are used in the air electrode to improve electrochemical performance, then cell performance is enhanced, but strontium reacts with the solid oxide electrolyte to form insulating SrZrO3 phase which reduces conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
A strontium getter layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the strontium-containing air electrode and the solid oxide electrolyte. This getter layer selectively captures strontium atoms, preventing them from reacting with the electrolyte to form insulating SrZrO3 phase, while allowing the electrochemical function of the air electrode to remain intact
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful strontium element is extracted or removed from the interface between the air electrode and electrolyte through the getter layer. The getter selectively binds and retains strontium atoms, preventing their migration into the electrolyte and subsequent formation of insulating compounds
2Reliability
If strontium getter material is added to prevent Sr diffusion, then electrolyte conductivity is maintained, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The strontium getter functionality is localized to a specific thin layer at the air electrode-electrolyte interface, rather than modifying the entire electrode structure. This thin getter layer provides the necessary strontium capture function while minimizing impact on the overall device structure and fabrication process
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
Prevents the formation of the insulating SrZrO3 phase, maintaining the conductivity of the electrolyte and enhancing the operational efficiency of the SOECs.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporating a strontium getter material, such as titanium oxide (TiO2), in the air-side electrode to trap strontium and prevent its diffusion into the electrolyte
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A solid oxide electrochemical cell (400) includes a solid oxide electrolyte (5), a fuel-side electrode (7) located on a first side of the solid oxide electrolyte (5), and an air-side electrode (3) located on a second side of the solid oxide electrolyte (5). The air-side electrode (3) includes a strontium getter material, a current collector layer (34) and a functional layer (32) located between the current collector layer (34) and the second side of the solid oxide electrolyte (5).