Research

Direct Ammonia Fueled Proton Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (DA-PCFCs) 

Direct ammonia proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (DA-PCFCs) are advanced energy conversion devices that directly utilize ammonia as a fuel source. 

Ammonia can be decomposed at PCFC operating temperatures (~ 500 ˚C), allowing for efficient integration of ammonia decomposition and electricity generation processes. This approach enables ammonia to be supplied directly to the PCFC without pre-treatment, simplifying the system. Direct ammonia utilization also enhances the practical feasibility of hydrogen energy by addressing challenges associated with hydrogen compression, storage, and transportation.

Our group behind this study aims to discover alternative anode materials or modify existing ones to overcome the limitations of using ammonia as fuel. This includes improving thermal and chemical stability, as well as enhancing the electrochemical performance of the ammonia fueled electrodes (anode). 

Additionally, we investigate various surface modification techniques to enhance the anode's resistance to nitridation and improve its interaction with the fuel, ultimately leading to better performance in DA-PCFCs.

The last focus is to provide insights and recommendations for future developments in this field, ensuring that this technology can be effectively commercialized and utilized for efficient power generation.

Proton Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (PCFCs) 

Proton conducting fuel cells (PCFCs) utilize proton conducting ceramic electrolytes, which allow protons to move through the electrolyte. This mechanism is crucial for generating electricity from hydrogen and oxygen, making them a clean energy source.

PCFCs can operate at lower temperatures compared to traditional SOFCs, which typically require higher temperatures (around 650 ˚C) for optimal performance. This lower operating temperature can lead to improved efficiency and reduced material costs.

• Mridula Biswas, Hanlin Xie, Jong Dae Baek, and Pei-Chen Su. "Gas-tight Yittria-doped Barium Zirconate Thin Film Electrolyte via Chemical Solution Deposition Technique." Journal of the European Ceramic Society 37 (2017): 2997-3001. LINK

• Hanlin Xie, Mridula Biswas, Liangdong Fan, and Pei-Chen Su. "Rapid Thermal Processing of Chemical-solution-deposited Yittrium-doped Barium Zirconate Thin Films." Surface and Coatings Technology 320 (2017): 213-216. LINK

• Yong Li, Lai Mun Wong, Chen-Chiang Yu, Shejie Wang, and Pei-Chen Su. "Pulsed Laser Deposition of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-𝜎." Thin Film Cathodes for Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells." Surface and Coatings Technology 320 (2017): 344-348. LINK

• Yong Li, Lai Mun Wong, Hanlin Xie, Shejie Wang, and Pei-Chen Su. "Pulsed Laser Deposition of Epitaxial MgO Buffer Layer for Proton-conducting Ceramic Electrolytes." Surface and Coatings Technology 320 (2017): 339-343. LINK

• Liangdong Fan, Hanlin Xie, and Pei-Chen Su. "Spray Coating of Dense Proton-conducting BaCe0.7Zr0.1Y0.2O3 Electrolyte for Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells." International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 41 (2016): 6516-6525. LINK

• Liangdong Fan, and Pei-Chen Su. "Layer-structured LiNi0.8Co0.2O2: A New Rriple (H+/O2-/e-) Conducting Cathode for Low Temperature Proton Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells." Journal of Power Sources 306 (2016): 369-377. LINK