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Argonne National Laboratory (ANL) will focus on fundamental research to identify new materials for the modification of cathode surfaces which will result in improved electrochemical performance and stability of solid oxide fuel cells. ANL will expose model cathode thin-films to synchrotron X-rays to better understand the role of cathode surface chemistry, crystallography, and electronic structure. Researchers will examine the dynamic structural and chemical changes that occur at the cathode side of a fuel cell under conditions that simulate actual operating conditions.
This project focuses on developing an understanding of cathode surface phenomena to enable the development of models for the design of high performance cathode materials. Improved cell/stack life and performance will reduce operating cost and increase efficiency, resulting in reduction in the cost of electricity and reduction of CO2 emissions from the entire platform. Specifically, this project will measure the atomic and chemical state of cathode materials under typical operating conditions, correlate these measurements with ex-situ results, and develop cathode modifications that will accelerate the oxidation reduction reaction and oxygen transport to the electrolyte.
