Abstract

Methods for forming a metal oxide electrolyte include applying a metal compound to a first material in powder form thereby forming a slurry, applying the slurry to an electrode, and converting at least some of the metal compound to form a metal oxide, thereby forming the metal oxide electrolyte on the electrode. Unexpectedly, the metal oxide electrolyte may have an ionic conductivity greater than the bulk ionic conductivity of the first material and of the metal oxide, possibly because of the nature of the interface between the first material and the metal oxide.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25B 13/04 - DiaphragmsSpacing elements characterised by the material
• C04B 35/628 - Coating the powders
• C25B 9/19 - Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodesAssemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms
• C25B 9/23 - Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodesAssemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms comprising ion-exchange membranes in or on which electrode material is embedded
• G01N 27/40 - Semi-permeable membranes or partitions
• G01N 27/407 - Cells and probes with solid electrolytes for investigating or analysing gases
• H01B 1/12 - Conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materialsSelection of materials as conductors mainly consisting of other non-metallic substances organic substances
• H01M 8/00 - Fuel cellsManufacture thereof
• H01M 8/0271 - Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
• H01M 8/1006 - Corrugated, curved or wave-shaped MEA
• H01M 8/1007 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised
• H01M 8/1016 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by the electrolyte material
• H01M 8/1246 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides
• H01M 8/1253 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing zirconium oxide
• H01M 8/126 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing cerium oxide
• H01M 8/12 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte

Abstract

Methods for forming a metal oxide electrolyte improve ionic conductivity. Some of those methods involve applying a first metal compound to a substrate, converting that metal compound to a metal oxide, applying a different metal compound to the metal oxide, and converting the different metal compound to form a second metal oxide. That substrate may be in nanobar form that conforms to an orientation imparted by a magnetic field or an electric field applied before or during the converting. Electrolytes so formed can be used in solid oxide fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors, among other applications.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25B 13/04 - DiaphragmsSpacing elements characterised by the material
• H01M 8/0271 - Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
• H01B 1/12 - Conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materialsSelection of materials as conductors mainly consisting of other non-metallic substances organic substances
• H01M 8/1253 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing zirconium oxide
• H01M 8/126 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing cerium oxide
• C25B 9/19 - Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodesAssemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms
• C25B 9/23 - Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodesAssemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms comprising ion-exchange membranes in or on which electrode material is embedded
• C04B 35/628 - Coating the powders
• H01M 8/1246 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides
• H01M 8/1007 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised
• G01N 27/40 - Semi-permeable membranes or partitions
• G01N 27/407 - Cells and probes with solid electrolytes for investigating or analysing gases
• H01M 8/00 - Fuel cellsManufacture thereof
• H01M 8/1006 - Corrugated, curved or wave-shaped MEA
• H01M 8/1016 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by the electrolyte material
• H01M 8/12 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte

Abstract

The present invention provides solid oxide cells such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors comprising an electrolyte having an interface between an yttria-stabilized zirconia material and a glass material, in some embodiments. Other embodiments add an interface between a platinum oxide material and the yttria-stabilized zirconia material in the electrolyte. Further embodiments of solid oxide cells have an ion-conducting species such as an ionic liquid or inorganic salt in contact with at least one electrode of the cell. Certain embodiments provide room temperature operation of solid oxide cells.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/1007 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised
• H01M 8/2483 - Details of groupings of fuel cells characterised by internal manifolds
• H01M 8/1016 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by the electrolyte material
• H01M 8/1097 - Fuel cells applied on a support, e.g. miniature fuel cells deposited on silica supports
• H01M 8/1213 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the electrode/electrolyte combination or the supporting material
• H01M 8/1253 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing zirconium oxide
• H01M 8/1286 - Fuel cells applied on a support, e.g. miniature fuel cells deposited on silica supports
• H01M 4/90 - Selection of catalytic material
• H01M 4/92 - Metals of platinum group
• H01M 8/04186 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of liquid-charged or electrolyte-charged reactants
• C25B 15/02 - Process control or regulation
• C25B 15/08 - Supplying or removing reactants or electrolytesRegeneration of electrolytes
• C25B 1/46 - Simultaneous production of alkali metal hydroxides and chlorine, oxyacids or salts of chlorine, e.g. by chlor-alkali electrolysis in diaphragm cells
• C25B 9/08 - Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms
• H01M 8/1009 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes with one of the reactants being liquid, solid or liquid-charged
• H01M 8/2455 - Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with liquid, solid or electrolyte-charged reactants
• H01M 8/124 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte
• G01N 27/407 - Cells and probes with solid electrolytes for investigating or analysing gases

Abstract

Methods for forming a metal oxide electrolyte improve ionic conductivity. Some of those methods involve applying a first metal compound to a substrate, converting that metal compound to a metal oxide, applying a different metal compound to the metal oxide, and converting the different metal compound to form a second metal oxide. Electrolytes so formed can be used in solid oxide fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors, among other applications.

IPC Classes  ?

• C25B 13/04 - DiaphragmsSpacing elements characterised by the material
• H01M 8/0271 - Sealing or supporting means around electrodes, matrices or membranes
• H01B 1/12 - Conductors or conductive bodies characterised by the conductive materialsSelection of materials as conductors mainly consisting of other non-metallic substances organic substances
• H01M 8/1246 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides
• H01M 8/1253 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing zirconium oxide
• H01M 8/126 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing cerium oxide
• C25B 9/10 - Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms including an ion-exchange membrane in or on which electrode material is embedded
• H01M 8/243 - Grouping of unit cells of tubular or cylindrical configuration
• H01M 8/1007 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised
• C25B 9/08 - Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms
• G01N 27/40 - Semi-permeable membranes or partitions
• G01N 27/407 - Cells and probes with solid electrolytes for investigating or analysing gases
• H01M 8/00 - Fuel cellsManufacture thereof
• H01M 8/1006 - Corrugated, curved or wave-shaped MEA
• H01M 8/1016 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by the electrolyte material
• H01M 8/124 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte

Abstract

The present invention provides solid oxide fuel cells, solid oxide electrolyzer cells, solid oxide sensors, components of any of the foregoing, and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, a solid oxide fuel cell comprises an air electrode (or cathode), a fuel electrode (or anode), an electrolyte interposed between the air electrode and the fuel electrode, and at least one electrode-electrolyte transition layer. Other embodiments provide novel methods of producing nano-scale films and/or surface modifications comprising one or more metal oxides to form ultra-thin (yet fully-dense) electrolyte layers and electrode coatings. Such layers and coatings may provide greater ionic conductivity and increased operating efficiency, which may lead to lower manufacturing costs, less-expensive materials, lower operating temperatures, smaller-sized fuel cells, electrolyzer cells, and sensors, and a greater number of applications.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/1253 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing zirconium oxide
• C25B 9/08 - Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms
• G01N 27/406 - Cells and probes with solid electrolytes
• G01N 27/40 - Semi-permeable membranes or partitions
• C25B 13/04 - DiaphragmsSpacing elements characterised by the material
• H01M 8/1246 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides
• H01M 8/124 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte

Abstract

The present invention provides solid oxide cells such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, and sensors comprising an electrolyte having an interface between an yttria-stabilized zirconia material and a glass material, in some embodiments. Other embodiments add an interface between a platinum oxide material and the yttria-stabilized zirconia material in the electrolyte. Further embodiments of solid oxide cells have an ion-conducting species such as an ionic liquid or inorganic salt in contact with at least one electrode of the cell. Certain embodiments provide room temperature operation of solid oxide cells.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/1007 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes with both reactants being gaseous or vaporised
• H01M 8/1016 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes characterised by the electrolyte material
• H01M 8/1097 - Fuel cells applied on a support, e.g. miniature fuel cells deposited on silica supports
• H01M 8/1213 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the electrode/electrolyte combination or the supporting material
• H01M 8/1253 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing zirconium oxide
• H01M 8/1286 - Fuel cells applied on a support, e.g. miniature fuel cells deposited on silica supports
• H01M 4/90 - Selection of catalytic material
• H01M 4/92 - Metals of platinum group
• H01M 8/04186 - Arrangements for control of reactant parameters, e.g. pressure or concentration of liquid-charged or electrolyte-charged reactants
• C25B 15/02 - Process control or regulation
• C25B 15/08 - Supplying or removing reactants or electrolytesRegeneration of electrolytes
• C25B 1/46 - Simultaneous production of alkali metal hydroxides and chlorine, oxyacids or salts of chlorine, e.g. by chlor-alkali electrolysis in diaphragm cells
• C25B 9/08 - Cells comprising dimensionally-stable non-movable electrodes; Assemblies of constructional parts thereof with diaphragms
• H01M 8/1009 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes with one of the reactants being liquid, solid or liquid-charged
• H01M 8/241 - Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with solid or matrix-supported electrolytes
• H01M 8/2425 - High-temperature cells with solid electrolytes
• H01M 8/2455 - Grouping of fuel cells, e.g. stacking of fuel cells with liquid, solid or electrolyte-charged reactants
• H01M 8/124 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte
• G01N 27/407 - Cells and probes with solid electrolytes for investigating or analysing gases

Abstract

The present invention provides solid oxide fuel cells, solid oxide electrolyzer cells, solid oxide sensors, components of any of the foregoing, and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, a solid oxide fuel cell comprises an air electrode (or cathode), a fuel electrode (or anode), an electrolyte interposed between the air electrode and the fuel electrode, and at least one electrode-electrolyte transition layer. Other embodiments provide novel methods of producing nano-scale films and/or surface modifications comprising one or more metal oxides to form ultra-thin (yet fully-dense) electrolyte layers and electrode coatings. Such layers and coatings may provide greater ionic conductivity and increased operating efficiency, which may lead to lower manufacturing costs, less-expensive materials, lower operating temperatures, smaller-sized fuel cells, electrolyzer cells, and sensors, and a greater number of applications.

IPC Classes  ?

• C01F 17/00 - Compounds of rare earth metals
• H01M 8/10 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes

Abstract

Some embodiments of the present invention provide solid oxide cells and components thereof having a metal oxide electrolyte that exhibits enhanced ionic conductivity. Certain of those embodiments have two materials, at least one of which is a metal oxide, disposed so that at least some interfaces between the domains of the materials orient in a direction substantially parallel to the desired ionic conductivity.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/1253 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing zirconium oxide

Abstract

Some embodiments of the present invention provide solid oxide cells and components thereof having a metal oxide electrolyte that exhibits enhanced ionic conductivity. Certain of those embodiments have two materials, at least one of which is a metal oxide, disposed so that at least some interfaces between the domains of the materials orient in a direction substantially parallel to the desired ionic conductivity.

IPC Classes  ?

• H01M 8/1253 - Fuel cells with solid electrolytes operating at high temperature, e.g. with stabilised ZrO2 electrolyte characterised by the process of manufacturing or by the material of the electrolyte the electrolyte consisting of oxides the electrolyte containing zirconium oxide