Jing Ming

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Project title: Ceria-based conducting solids for application as electrolytes in fuel cells.

Supervisor: Dr Isaac Abrahams

Content:  The growing need for alternatives to fossil fuel energy sources has focussed research interest on portable electrochemical devices such as batteries and fuel cells. Fuel cells represent an extremely attractive option since they have high efficiencies and are not subject to the Carnot limitation.

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is the most realistic candidate for a new generation power system due to its high efficiency, high waste-heat utilization, and greater fuel flexibility. Solid Oxide fuel cells SOFCs are based on a solid oxide electrolyte, which transports oxide ions between the hydrogen and oxygen fuels resulting in water as a waste product. The widespread application of this clean technology is currently hampered by the operating temperature range of these devices, which is typically around 800 degrees C.

This project is focused on the development and characterization of electrolyte materials based on ceria for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs).

In addition to the synthesis of new materials, this work will involve solid-state synthesis and advanced methods of structural characterization complemented by detailed electrical characterization.

Funding:  China Scholarship Council (CSC)

Research