Advanced Materials and Clean Energy Laboratory (AMCEL)

Our article “Scalable Solution-Processed Electrolyte Membranes with Optimized Microstructure for High-Performance Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells” was accepted by ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. 

Proton-conducting electrochemical cells (PCECs) are promising for efficient hydrogen production, but achieving dense, uniform, thin electrolyte layers remains a key challenge, particularly for scalable fabrication. Here, we present a solution-processed deposition approach with a mechanistically optimized slurry for uniform electrolyte formation. By tailoring particle size distribution, solid loading, and solvent/additive balance, we regulated wetting behavior and evaporation kinetics of the electrolyte slurry to promote homogeneous electrolyte particle packing. These features facilitate tight grain boundary contact and early stage neck growth during sintering, eliminating residual porosity, and improving mechanical integrity. The resulting ∼15 μm thick electrolyte shows high density, strong electrode adhesion, and stable interfaces outperforming the previously reported spray-based fabricated electrolyte by about 31% at 600 °C in FC mode. Single cells deliver 0.962 W cm–2 at 600 °C in fuel cell mode and 1.31 A cm–2 at 1.3 V in electrolysis mode, maintaining robust performance over 100 h with negligible degradation (≤0.02% h–1) in each mode. Scale-up to 2.5 cm diameter substrates confirmed reproducible densification and geometric stability. This work demonstrates a cost-effective, scalable route where control over particle-fluid interactions and drying dynamics enables a superior electrolyte microstructure and high PCEC performance. 

https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.5c16287

Our review work entitled “Multiscale engineering of BaZr1-xYxO3-δ -based protonic ceramics: A critical review of defect chemistry, interface design, and computational insights” was accepted by Energy Reviews. 

Protonic ceramic energy devices represent a promising frontier for sustainable energy conversion and storage, operating efficiently at intermediate temperatures (350–650 ​°C) and facilitating integration with renewable energy sources. Among protonic ceramic materials, yttrium-doped barium zirconate (BaZr1-xYxO3-δ, BZY) stands out for its competitive proton conductivity, chemical resilience, and compatibility with diverse fuels and environments. This review critically examines the fundamentals and multiscale design strategies for BZY-based ceramic cells. We discuss atomic-level composition-structure relationships, innovative synthesis routes, and advanced processing methods to overcome manufacturing and scalability challenges. We then highlight microstructure engineering and interface design approaches that minimize resistance and elevate device performance, supported by state-of-the-art characterization and predictive modeling techniques, including density functional theory and machine learning. Recent advances, such as hybrid architectures and AI-driven defect optimization, demonstrate significant improvements in conductivity, stability, and Faradaic efficiency, confirming BZY's pivotal role in green hydrogen production and power-to-chemicals applications. By integrating insights across materials chemistry, electrochemistry, and engineering, this review provides a comprehensive roadmap for researchers aiming to translate laboratory breakthroughs into robust, scalable protonic ceramic technologies for decarbonized energy systems. 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772970225000367?via%3Dihub

We recently have a work “Structural Transformation of Oxygen Electrode from Perovskite to Ruddlesden-Popper for Enhanced Reversible Hydrogen Production and Power Generation in Protonic Ceramic Cells” accepted by Materials Today (IF=22). In this work, we a novel Ruddlesden-Popper (R-P) structured electrode, (Pr0.6Sr0.4)2Ni0.7Co0.3O4+δ (PSNC), produced by systematic strontium doping in PrNi0.7Co0.3O3-δ (PNC) for intermediate-temperature reversible protonic ceramic electrochemical cells. 

The strategic Sr2+ substitution for Pr3+ causes a structural transition from an orthorhombic perovskite to a layered R-P phase, generating well-defined routes for improved ionic transport. Electrochemical characterizations reveal outstanding bifunctional performance, with the PSNC electrode obtaining a peak power density of 1.03 W cm-2 in fuel cell mode and a current density of 1.30 A cm-2 at 1.30 V in electrolysis mode at 600 °C.  The cell demonstrates exceptional operational resilience and mechanical-electrochemical robustness, maintaining long-term stability despite vigorous dynamic voltage cycling.  Faradaic efficiency experiments at 1.16 V under 50% steam show up to 85% efficiency and highly steady extended galvanostatic operation up to 2.0 A cm-2, indicating the electrode’s durability and stability in harsh environments.  Structural and interfacial investigations confirm the electrode’s pristine integrity and high compatibility with the electrolyte. These synergistic properties position PSNC as a promising choice for next-generation energy conversion devices, allowing for seamless transitions between power generation and hydrogen production under realistic conditions.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S136970212500433X?dgcid=coauthor

We have a two-years project funded to work on developing a biochar integrated membrane reactor for achieving reactive carbon capture from biomass and carbon wastes into olefins. 

Collaborated with Prof. Pei Dong and her student, Boshen Xu, from George Mason University, we recently have one review paper titled with “Surface Reconstruction of Versatile Perovskites via In Situ Nanoparticle Engineering for Solid Oxide Cells” to be published by Chem Catalysis.

Dr. Jiufeng Ruan, our postdoc researcher, is the equal first author together with Boshen.

This review discusses the atomic-scale surface reconstruction of perovskite oxides via in situ exsolution. It emphasizes the fundamental mechanisms, strategies for precise process control, and the recent progresses of advanced techniques for in situ explorative characterizations. These insights provide guidance for designing durable and efficient perovskite catalysts in solid oxide cells.

Congratulations, everyone! The paper link will be provided soon.