Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Intermediate Layer SrZrO3 Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis cells face performance impairment due to the generation of SrZrO3, leading to increased electric resistance and potential separation between the intermediate layer and the cathode, which affects electricity generation performance.
Innovation Solution
The electrochemical reaction single cell is designed with an electrolyte layer containing Zr and at least one of Y, Sc, and Ca, an anode with Sr and Co, and an intermediate layer with a solid solution layer containing Gd, Sm, Ce, and Zr, where the SrZrO3 integrated value is controlled between 600 to 10,300 to prevent performance impairment and separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an intermediate layer is disposed between the cathode and the electrolyte layer to prevent Sr diffusion, then SZO generation is prevented and electric resistance is reduced, but electricity generation performance deteriorates and separation between the intermediate layer and cathode occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a specifically designed intermediate layer containing GDC and controlled amounts of Sr and Zr. This intermediate layer acts as a mediator between the cathode and electrolyte layer, allowing it to prevent excessive Sr diffusion and SZO generation while maintaining sufficient SrZrO3 (600-10,300 integrated value) to ensure proper adhesion and electricity generation performance. The intermediate layer composition is carefully balanced to resolve the contradiction between preventing harmful SZO and maintaining performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the composition parameters of the intermediate layer, specifically the Sr and Zr content ratios, and the thickness (5-20 μm). By adjusting these parameters, the patent optimizes the SrZrO3 integrated value to fall within 600-10,300, which prevents both excessive SZO generation and cathode separation, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.
2Stability of the object's composition
If Sr diffusion toward the electrolyte layer is prevented completely, then SZO generation is eliminated, but adhesion between the intermediate layer and cathode deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the Sr and Zr content in the intermediate layer and its thickness (5-20 μm) to achieve an optimal SrZrO3 integrated value range of 600-10,300. This parameter optimization allows the intermediate layer to prevent excessive Sr diffusion while maintaining sufficient adhesion strength between the intermediate layer and cathode, resolving the contradiction between Sr diffusion control and adhesion strength.
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 effectively prevents performance degradation by managing SrZrO3 deposition and maintaining optimal electric resistance, ensuring stable electricity generation and preventing cathode separation.
Implementation Method 1
A known type of a fuel cell for generating electricity by utilizing electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen is a solid oxide fuel cell (hereinafter may be referred to as 'SOFC')
Implementation Method 2
the diffusion of Sr (strontium) contained in the cathode toward the electrolyte layer and the reaction between the diffused Sr and Zr (zirconium) contained in the electrolyte layer cause generation of SrZrO3
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical reaction single cell including an electrolyte layer containing Zr and at least one of Y, Sc, and Ca, an anode disposed on one side of the electrolyte layer, a cathode containing Sr and Co and disposed on the other side of the electrolyte layer, and an intermediate layer disposed between the electrolyte layer and the cathode. In the electrochemical reaction single cell, an SrZrO3 integrated value calculated by a predetermined method is 600 to 10,300. Also disclosed is an electrochemical reaction cell stack including a plurality of electrochemical reaction single cells.