Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Multilayer Electrolyte Design

Solution Overview

Problem

Solid oxide fuel cells face challenges with chemical stability and ion conductivity, particularly with gadolinium-doped ceria-based electrolytes having high oxygen ion conductivity but low chemical stability, and yttria-stabilized zirconia-based electrolytes having high chemical stability but low ion conductivity, which affects cell efficiency and long-term stability.

Innovation Solution

A solid oxide fuel cell design featuring a thicker electrolyte layer support with a multilayer structure, including a gadolinium-doped ceria-based electrolyte layer and yttria-stabilized zirconia-based electrolyte layers on both surfaces, to enhance ion conductivity and chemical stability, and a fuel electrode with specific inorganic substances for improved porosity and mechanical strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If gadolinium-doped ceria-based electrolyte is used, then oxygen ion conductivity is improved, but chemical stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion conductivityVSAvoidchemical stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite electrolyte structure consisting of a gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) base layer combined with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coating layers. The GDC layer provides high oxygen ion conductivity, while the YSZ coating layers contribute high chemical stability. This composite structure allows the electrolyte to simultaneously achieve both high ion conductivity and chemical stability, resolving the technical contradiction between these two properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If yttria-stabilized zirconia-based electrolyte is used, then chemical stability is improved, but ion conductivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical stabilityVSAvoidion conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite electrolyte structure consisting of a gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) base layer combined with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coating layers. The GDC layer provides high oxygen ion conductivity, while the YSZ coating layers contribute high chemical stability. This composite structure allows the electrolyte to simultaneously achieve both high ion conductivity and chemical stability, resolving the technical contradiction between these two properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If electrolyte layer thickness is increased, then chemical stability is improved, but ion conductivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechemical stabilityVSAvoidion conductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating a layered electrolyte structure where different regions perform different functions. The thick GDC base layer provides chemical stability, while the thin YSZ coating layers provide both chemical protection and maintain ion conductivity. This localized functional distribution allows the electrolyte to achieve both thick-layer stability and thin-layer conductivity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a composite electrolyte structure consisting of a gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) base layer combined with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coating layers. The GDC layer provides high oxygen ion conductivity, while the YSZ coating layers contribute high chemical stability. This composite structure allows the electrolyte to simultaneously achieve both high ion conductivity and chemical stability, resolving the technical contradiction between these two properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite 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

The solution achieves high open circuit voltage, driving efficiency, and favorable long-term stability, improving the overall performance of the solid oxide fuel cell by balancing ion conductivity and chemical stability.

Implementation Method 1

the produced oxygen ions are transferred to a fuel electrode through an electrolyte layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

the fuel releases electrons while bonding to the oxygen ions and electrochemically oxidized to produce water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical oxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 3

air is electrochemically reduced in an air electrode to produce oxygen ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reduction: Reduction

Data Source

PatentEP3343684B1Solid oxide fuel cell and cell module comprising same

Publication Date: 2022.08.10 LG CHEM LTD

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AI summary

The present specification relates to a solid oxide fuel cell and a cell module including the same.