Team Materials for Proton Conducting Cells

Proton-conducting Ceramic Cells (PCCs) are devices for electrochemical energy conversion and storage operating in the temperature range of 400°C to 600°C. PCCs operated in fuel cell mode convert chemical fuels to zero-emission-electricity, while in electrolysis mode hydrogen is generated from water. The generation of the so called “green” hydrogen can be powered for example by renewable wind and solar energy. Thus, PCCs can be a key element of the global energy transition based on decarbonized economy.

As a part of our research activities on low temperature ceramic oxide cells (LT-SOCs), our portfolio comprises systematic research and development of PCCs in order to increase the readiness of this technology for the market. For that, we aim at the development of ceramic materials with tailored properties to meet their specific roles in the cell (solid electrolyte, cathode, anode, contact and protective coating) and combine these materials to shape cell components with high compatibility and optimized interfaces. Finally, we design the fabrication of cells with complex microstructure and scalable geometries by means of leading processing technologies.