Cathode materials for high-performance intermediate temperature operating metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells

固体氧化物燃料电池具有效率高、环境影响小等优点，是一种很有前途的能源转换技术。SOFCs在热电联产系统和离网发电中成功应用。然而，该技术的进一步改进可以将其应用扩展到交通运输领域，特别是作为重型卡车、火车、飞机和船舶的辅助动力单元范围扩展器。金属支持SOFC （ms -SOFC）是经过数十年的技术发展而形成的最新一代SOFC架构。MS-SOFCs由于其成本低、耐热性和耐氧化还原循环能力强，在运输领域具有最大的潜力。这个为期两年的卡尔加里大学（University of Calgary）和日产汽车公司（Nissan Motor Corp.）的联合项目旨在展示在500-700°C的中间温度范围内运行的稳定、高性能的ms - sofc。通过采用渗透技术，将含有电极催化剂的溶液引入预制的多孔金属支撑的电解质组件中，可以实现稳定性、耐久性和高电化学能量转化率。然后将该组件加热形成纳米级电催化剂，这种催化剂在电化学上将燃料转化为电能方面非常活跃。日产及其合作伙伴开发了对称的金属支撑骨架和阳极侧的活性材料。该项目将重点研究将催化剂渗透到阴极层。该计划为期两年，每年将培养至少3名高素质人才（每年1名研究助理、1名研究生和1名本科生）。在三理事会和运输部门一位领导人的支持下，该项目将解决替代清洁能源转换技术需求和相关劳动力需求，这对加拿大向清洁能源未来转变的尝试至关重要。

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a promising energy conversion technology owing to their high efficiency and low environmental impact. SOFCs are being successfully implemented in combined heat and power systems and off-grid power generation. However, further improvements in the technology could extend its application to the transportation sector, particularly as an auxiliary power unit range extender for heavy trucks, trains, aircrafts, and ships. Metal-supported SOFCs (MS-SOFCs) are the latest generation of SOFC architecture from the decades-long development of the technology. MS-SOFCs have the highest potential among the SOFCs in transportation owing to their reduced cost and improved thermal and redox cycling tolerance. This two-year University of Calgary (U of C) and Nissan Motor Corp. (Nissan USA) joint project aims to demonstrate stable, high-performance MS-SOFCs that operate at the intermediate temperature range of 500-700 °C. Stability, durability, and high electrochemical energy conversion rate are achieved by employing the infiltration technique, in which a solution containing electrode catalyst is introduced into a prefabricated, porous metal-supported electrolyte assembly. The assembly is then heated to form nano-sized electrocatalysts that are highly active for electrochemically converting fuel to electricity. Nissan and its partners have developed a symmetric metal-supported backbone and the active materials for the anode side. The project will focus on infiltrating catalysts into the cathode layer. The proposed two-year project will train a minimum of 3 highly qualified personnel per year (one research associate, one graduate student, and one undergraduate student per year). With support from tri-council and one of the leaders in the transportation sector, the project will address alternative clean energy conversion technology needs and relevant workforce needs that are critical for Canada's attempts to shift towards a clean energy future.