Design of next-generation ceramic fuel cells and real-time characterization with synchrotron X-ray diffraction computed tomography

Abstract

Ceramic fuel cells offer a clean and efficient means of producing electricity through a variety of fuels. However, miniaturization of cell dimensions for portable device application remains a challenge, as volumetric power densities generated by readily-available planar/tubular ceramic cells are limited. Here, we demonstrate a concept of ‘micro-monolithic’ ceramic cell design. The mechanical robustness and structural integrity of this design is thoroughly investigated with real-time, synchrotron X-ray diffraction computed tomography, suggesting excellent thermal cycling stability. The successful miniaturization results in an exceptional power density of 1.27 W cm −2 at 800 °C, which is among the highest reported. This holistic design incorporates both mechanical integrity and electrochemical performance, leading to mechanical property enhancement and representing an important step toward commercial development of portable ceramic devices with high volumetric power (>10 W cm −3 ), fast thermal cycling and marked mechanical reliability.

Developments in X-ray tomography characterization for electrochemical devices

“…Finally, there are many possibilities for employing XRD-CT to investigate SOFC materials; although investigations using point-and powder-XRD into SOFCs, particularly with focus on the anode [49,50], have proven very valuable, extending such studies to become spatially resolved would further elucidate the origins and developments of cell constituents. For example, the ability to spatially resolve the multi-scale, structural, chemical and mechanical developments through temporally and spatially resolved crystal-, nano-, micro-and macro-structural mapping can provide unprecedented insight [183]. General Outlook Looking forward, the advancement of readily-accessible, lab-based instruments will result in a greater quantity of studies being possible, improving the statistics on the data obtained and deepening the understanding of materials within the electrochemical devices discussed here.…”

“…electron, X-ray, neutron, etc., may also become increasingly important and require further evaluation [184,185]. Achieving operational conditions during characterisation is challenging, but achievable, through the assembly of bespoke environments [89,146,183]. Furthermore, the continued development of synchrotron facilities [186] will result in beams of greater brilliance, improving data quality and reducing acquisition times.…”

Superior three‐dimensional perovskite catalyst for catalytic oxidation

“…Among various wastewater treatment catalysts, perovskite oxide membranes have attracted great attention owing to their adjustable composition and stable structure for various catalytic applications. [16][17][18][19][20] Especially, hollow fiber membranes with a high surface area per unit volume and excellent mechanical properties, have been widely explored as micro-reactors for various applications, such as microfiltration, solid oxide electrolysis cell, ultrafiltration, solid oxide fuel cell, nanofiltration, oxygen separation, methane coupling, reverse osmosis, clean solar panel production, etc. [21][22][23][24][25][26] Recently, hollow fiber membranes have been applied into the field of electrocatalysis.…”

Towards the digitalisation of porous energy materials: evolution of digital approaches for microstructural design

“…[39][40][41][42][43][44] and MRI [67][68][69][81][82][83][84][85][86][87][88] or by integrating imaging techniques with other techniques such as synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD). 89,90 The related work will be introduced in Section 3.1.3.…”