Studies on DBLs fabricated by Physical Laser Deposition (PLD) and electrochemical characterization for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs)

• Grant number: 24/16656-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 09, 2024
• End date: March 08, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering
• Principal Investigator: Gustavo Doubek
• Grantee: Thiago Setti Aguila Martins
• Supervisor: Lucile Bernadet
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia Química (FEQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Institution abroad: Institut de Recerca en Energia de Catalunya, Barcelona (IREC), Spain
• Associated to the scholarship: 24/01745-4 - Spin coating deposition of 8YSZ electrolyte by sol-gel and ceramics nanoparticles suspension for application in metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells, BP.IC

Abstract

The urgent demand for clean and efficient energy solutions, particularly within the transportation sector, has placed significant emphasis on advancing Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) technology. A persistent obstacle hindering widespread SOFC adoption is the detrimental cation interdiffusion occurring at the cathode-electrolyte interface, leading to performance degradation and reduced lifespan. This research endeavors to overcome this challenge by exploring the fabrication of high-quality diffusion barrier layers (DBLs) using pulsed laser deposition (PLD), a versatile technique enabling precise control over thin film properties. This project specifically investigates the deposition of CGO and CYO thin films on YSZ single-crystal substrates, aiming to elucidate the impact of dopant selection (Gd or Y) and the novel application of rapid thermal processing (RTP) on DBL characteristics. A comprehensive analysis of the microstructure, stoichiometry, and ionic conductivity of the fabricated DBLs will be conducted, employing advanced characterization techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy. By correlating the electrochemical performance of the DBLs with their structural and compositional properties, this research aims to establish a robust framework for the development of efficient and durable SOFCs, contributing to the advancement of sustainable energy solutions.