Solid Electrolyte Particle Structure for Ion Conductivity and Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fuel cell stack devices face limitations in enhancing power generation performance.

Innovation Solution

A solid electrolyte layer with a specific configuration, including a first surface and a second surface, and comprising a plurality of electrolytic particles with at least one first particle in contact with both surfaces and a second particle in contact with either surface but not the other, is introduced. This configuration improves ion conductivity and alleviates internal stresses, enhancing the durability and performance of the electrochemical cell.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a conventional solid electrolyte layer is used in fuel cell stack devices, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the power generation performance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation performanceVSAvoidsolid electrolyte layer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solid electrolyte layer is segmented into multiple types of particles (first particles spanning both surfaces, second particles contacting one surface, third particles located inside) rather than using a uniform structure. This segmentation allows each particle type to contribute differently to ion conductivity and stress distribution, thereby improving power generation performance while managing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the solid electrolyte layer are assigned different particle types with specific functions: first particles provide ion conduction pathways across the layer, second particles contribute to local ion conductivity at surfaces, and third particles fill internal spaces. This local quality differentiation optimizes overall performance without requiring complete restructuring of the entire layer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If the solid electrolyte layer uses a uniform particle distribution, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ion conductivity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion conductivityVSAvoidparticle distribution control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The particle distribution is designed to be dynamic and functional rather than static and uniform. During sintering and operation, the different particle types self-organize to form optimal conduction pathways, with first particles creating through-layer channels and second/third particles filling gaps and reinforcing the structure, thereby achieving high ion conductivity through a process that remains relatively simple to manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Power

If the fuel cell stack device operates at high power, then the energy output increases, but internal stresses increase reducing durability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The solid electrolyte layer is designed with third particles located inside the layer that act as preemptive stress-absorbing elements. These internal particles are positioned beforehand to cushion and distribute mechanical stresses that will arise during high-power operation, preventing crack propagation and maintaining structural integrity over extended periods, thereby improving durability without reducing power output

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 improved solid electrolyte layer enhances ion conductivity and durability, leading to improved performance of the electrochemical cell, which in turn boosts the power generation capabilities of the fuel cell stack device.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of electrolytic particles containing an oxide... at least one first particle in contact with both the first surface and the second surface... improves ion conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250167274A1Solid electrolyte layer, electrochemical cell, electrochemical cell device, module, and module housing device

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

A solid electrolyte layer includes a first surface and a second surface facing each other in a thickness direction, and has a plurality of electrolytic particles containing an oxide. The plurality of electrolytic particles includes at least one first particle and a second particle. The at least one first particle is in contact with both the first surface and the second surface. The second particle is in contact with either one of the first surface and the second surface and is in no contact with the other.