The aim of this work is to develop low-temperature metal-supported SOFCs capable of operating between 400 and 500 °C.
Department/School
School of Chemistry and Chemical Process Engineering
Project Description
Power generation under environmentally friendlier and more efficient cycles has caused a great interest in alternative power sources and fuels. As a zero-emission fuel, hydrogen is the simplest, lightest, and most abundant element in the universe, with the highest specific energy content compared to all other conventional fuels. Unlike fossil fuels, hydrogen is not available freely in nature as a primary fuel meaning it must be first produced from its sources such as water or natural gas and then used as an energy source. The steam reforming of fossil fuels is currently the standard platform for commercial hydrogen production. However, this process is associated with carbon emission and arguably less efficient due to the highly endothermic reactions linked with steam- or dry-reforming of hydrocarbons.
Compared to the conventional electrode- and electrolyte-supported SOFCs, metal-supported solid oxide electrolysis cells (MS-SOECs) offer many advantages like excellent structural robustness and stability, high tolerance toward rapid thermal cycling, easy stack assembling as well as lower cost of materials. However, the current metal-supported cells suffer thermal expansion mismatch between the individual cell parts, which makes them mechanically unstable, particularly during quick start-up/shut-down periods.
The aim of this work is to develop low-temperature metal-supported SOFCs capable of operating between 400 and 500 °C. This target is obtained by developing new nanocomposite materials for both electrolyte and cathode layers of the electrolyser. In addition, to improve the microstructural properties and electrochemical performance of the fabricated sells, we use the nanocomposite materials synthesised under the controlled condition to fabricate porous metal-supported electrodes with hierarchically-tailored microstructures.
How to Apply
Open to UK and International students starting in October 2023.
Applications should be submitted via the Chemical and Process Engineering Research PhD programme page ,but please note the closing date for this studentship is Friday 6th January 2023. . In place of a research proposal you should upload a document stating the title of the projects (up to 2) that you wish to apply for and the name(s) of the relevant supervisor. You must upload your full CV and any transcripts of previous academic qualifications. You should enter ’Faculty Funded Competition’ under funding type.
Funding
The studentship will provide a stipend at UKRI rates (currently £17,668 for 2022/23) and tuition fees for 3.5 years. An additional bursary of £1700 per annum for the duration of the studentship will be offered to exceptional candidates.
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