Date of Award
8-2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Materials Science and Engineering
Committee Chair/Advisor
Dr. Jianhua Tong
Committee Member
Dr. Rajendra Bordia
Committee Member
Dr. Fei Peng
Committee Member
Dr. Dilpuneet Aidhy
Committee Member
Dr. Ming Yang
Abstract
Protonic Ceramic Solid Oxide Cells (P-SOCs) are highly efficient hydrogen energy conversion devices with advantages of low-temperature operation, high power density, and fuel flexibility. However, manufacturing-induced defects remain core bottlenecks to performance enhancement. To understand the unclear “processing-microstructure-performance” relationship, this dissertation systematically studies the structural regulation during P-SOC manufacturing.
First, the calcination of BZCYYb1711 powder and half-cell co-sintering were regulated. A lower calcination temperature (1100 ℃) preserved maintaining the sinterability of the powder, while an optimized co-sintering regime (1430 ℃/5 h) enhanced the density of the electrolyte and reduce the porosity. The introduction of sacrificial powder suppressed Ba evaporation, increasing the peak power density (PPD) to 0.51 W cm-2.
Second, hydrogen electrode functional layers (HEFL) with size-regulated NiO were introduced between electrolyte and hydrogen electrode support layer (HESL). Nano-sized NiO prompted electrolyte shrinkage and the connectivity of the HEFLs, enabling better gas diffusion and larger electrochemical reaction area. The Nano-HEFL cell achieved a PPD of 1.11 W cm-2 under fuel cell and a current density, -1.50 A cm-2 under electrolysis (1.3 V, 600 ℃, 30% steam).
Finally, BZCYYb HESLs with different Zr/Ce ratios and B-site doping were designed to facilitate low-temperature densification of BZY electrolytes. Moderate sintering driving force promoted electrolyte densification while suppressing grain-boundary secondary-phase precipitation. The 4411-HESL cell exhibited the best balance between structural stability and electrochemical performance, enabling a PPD of 0.32 W cm-2.
Overall, this work establishes the intrinsic processing-microstructure-performance relationship in P-SOCs and provides guidance for the design and fabrication of high-performance P-SOCs.
Recommended Citation
Zhang, Yuchen, "Processing-Microstructure-Performance Relationships of Proton-Conducting Solid Oxide Cells" (2026). All Dissertations. 4331.
https://open.clemson.edu/all_dissertations/4331
Author ORCID Identifier
0000-0001-5734-948X
Included in
Catalysis and Reaction Engineering Commons, Ceramic Materials Commons, Manufacturing Commons