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West Virginia University (WVU) will use Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) coating and pre-operation thermal treatment on commercial solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) to tailor the nanostructure on anode surfaces. ALD techniques and engineered anode surface architecture will be applied to the inherently functional fuel cells using the commercial available ALD systems. Researchers will identify the key nanostructure engineering processes necessary to improve the performance of state-of-the-art commercial SOFCs. The specific project objectives are to enhance the electro-catalytic activity and cell durability of commercial cells through: (1) the formation of single-phase discrete nano-crystals of a protonic conductor, on the internal surface of Ni/YSZ anodes, (2) the deposition of single phase electro-catalysts, on the internal surface of Ni/YSZ anodes, and (3) the formation of a dual-phase nano-composite scaffold consisting of a nano protonic conductor network and nano-catalyst, on the internal surface of Ni/YSZ anodes.
WVU’s surface scaffold architecture will be multi-functional and nano-scaled, facilitated by multiple heterostructured interfaces that will significantly enhance the power density and cell durability. The optimized design of the surface nanostructure could result in a greater power density for commercial operation throughout the entire SOFC operating temperature range of 650 to 800°C, as well as increased durability for long-term operation. Most importantly, the proposed ALD technology is cost-effective and scale-up ready for annual production. It will enhance power density and cell durability by (1) increasing the number of electrochemical reaction sites to enhance hydrogen/hydrocarbon oxidation reactions; (2) promoting internal reforming capabilities, especially for natural gas applications; (3) reducing carbon formation; (4) mitigating the coarsening of backbone Ni phase and the attack of Ni from oxidants; (5) accelerating anode reactions; and (6) decreasing over-potential and mitigating YSZ degradation.
