The project, which is funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) as part of the Energy Research Program 2023 (e!MISSION), aims to develop innovative manufacturing methods and new types of materials. These should enable a paradigm shift in cell design and contribute to an increase in power density, reliability and service life, a reduction in manufacturing costs and independence from critical raw materials.
High-temperature fuel cells as a game changer
High-temperature fuel cells, which consist of ceramic functional materials, enable the conversion of hydrogen into electrical energy with maximum efficiency and negligible emissions. The reversal of the functional principle in the form of high-temperature electrolysis allows the storage of electricity from renewable volatile sources in the form of hydrogen. A unique feature of high-temperature electrolysis is the possibility of co-electrolysis of water vapor and CO2 to produce synthesis gas, which can be converted into green methane or e-fuels through power-to-X processes.
According to the state of the art, ceramic cells are made up of two porous electrodes, a gas-tight electrolyte and a diffusion barrier. The methods currently used to produce the layers (thicknesses in the 10-500 µm range) and the cells are screen printing, film casting and conventional sintering. This conventional cell production results in a number of critical factors that limit the performance and long-term stability of the cells and thus prevent broad market penetration. The research into new manufacturing technologies planned in the AddEus project – such as film casting of multi-materials, lithography-based 3D printing, new sintering technologies and new types of electrode materials without critical raw materials – can eliminate these critical factors. “The aim is to achieve a paradigm shift in cell design and production. This ambitious goal is addressed by the collaboration of the three project partners, who are proven experts with many years of experience in their respective project-relevant fields of research,” explains Prof. Dr. Raúl Bermejo from the Chair of Structural and Functional Ceramics.
“The project contributes in particular to increasing energy efficiency in energy conversion. As a result of the development of future-oriented energy technologies, a significant contribution is made to environmental and climate protection and to the reduction of CO2 emissions,” explains Associate Professor Dr. Edith Bucher from the Chair of Physical Chemistry. The competitiveness and competence leadership of all partners are clearly strengthened by these innovation-driven project goals. This has a positive impact on Austria as a business location and the achievement of climate neutrality in Austria by 2040 at the latest.
[Source: Montanuniversität Leoben]
