Solid Oxide Electrochemical Cell Electrode Composition for Lower Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel cell stack devices face challenges in achieving efficient power generation due to high electrode resistance and limited reaction paths in the fuel electrode layer.

Innovation Solution

The electrochemical cell incorporates a fuel electrode layer with an electron conductive material and a first material containing a first element with electronegativity smaller than zirconium, enhancing oxide ion conductivity and increasing reaction paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If conventional fuel electrode layer materials are used, then the structure is simple, but the electrode resistance is high and power generation capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower generation capabilityVSAvoidelectrode resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel electrode layer is constructed as a composite material containing both an electron conductive material (such as nickel or nickel oxide) and a first material containing a first element with electronegativity smaller than zirconium (such as alkaline earth metal elements like calcium, strontium, or barium). This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of high electron conductivity and enhanced oxide ion conductivity, thereby reducing electrode resistance and improving power generation capability without compromising structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the fuel electrode layer by introducing elements with specific electronegativity characteristics (smaller than zirconium). This parameter change fundamentally alters the electrochemical properties of the electrode layer, enabling improved oxide ion conductivity and reduced electrode resistance while maintaining the functional integrity of the fuel cell

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional electrode materials are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the reaction paths are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaction pathsVSAvoidelectrode layer composition

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel electrode layer is designed with local quality differentiation by incorporating the first material containing elements with electronegativity smaller than zirconium in specific regions or distributions within the electrode layer. This local enhancement of oxide ion conductivity creates additional reaction paths at critical locations without requiring complete restructuring of the entire electrode layer, thus improving productivity while controlling device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The composite fuel electrode layer structure inherently creates porous pathways that facilitate multiple reaction paths for fuel oxidation and oxide ion transport. The combination of electron conductive material and first material with specific electronegativity characteristics forms a network structure that provides numerous reaction pathways, enhancing productivity without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 reduces electrode resistance, improves power generation capability, and enhances the overall performance of the electrochemical cell device.

Implementation Method 1

a solid electrolyte layer located between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and having oxide ion conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxide ion conductivity: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The first electrode layer includes an electron conductive material and a first material containing, as a main component, a first element having an electronegativity smaller than that of zirconium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectron conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250118785A1Electrochemical cell, electrochemical cell device, module and module housing device

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

An electrochemical cell includes a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer, and a solid electrolyte layer. The solid electrolyte layer is located between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, and has oxide ion conductivity. The first electrode layer includes an electron conductive material and a first material containing, as a main component, a first element having an electronegativity smaller than that of zirconium.