Thin ceramic films are hard to manufacture, but very important in energy conversion. Electrospraying (ES) is a versatile technique which has been used to dry, crystallize, and fabricate ultrathin layers of various materials. In ES, a high voltage is applied to a liquid precursor flowing through a nozzle, to create an aerosol of charged monodispersed nanodroplets. Drying air is fed into the drying chamber vaporising the droplets and forming solid particles with crystalline structures. ES allows (i) control over the degree of atomization of the feed, thus increasing the droplet surface area and extent of drying, (ii) control of the direction of the aerosolization jet and particle size deposition; (iii) ultrathin layer formation, controlled by the throughput of the aerosolization jet and voltage; and (iv) film self-healing behaviour when exposed to moisture.
In this project, we will exploit ES to manufacture ultrathin electrolyte and electrode layers for used in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). SOFCs exhibit greater energy efficiency and can tolerate a far wider range of fuel materials compared to PEM. For this reason, they are increasingly being proposed as aviation and marine propulsion devices using zero carbon fuels such as ammonia. SOFCs are presently limited in performance by the ion conductivity of the solid electrolyte, and this would be much improved if a thinner electrolyte could be created. They are also challenging to manufacture due to sequential processing including multiple thermal steps.
Here, we will assess the benefits of electro-confined particle deposition at the fundamental level, as well as explore how the ES process affects the overall performance of SOFCs. At the University of Bath, we have demonstrated the capabilities of ES for polymorph control, and crystal formation in organic molecules; therefore, building on this established framework, this interdisciplinary PhD project - containing aspects of Chemical Engineering, Chemistry and Manufacturing - will further develop this technique to provide insights into the effects of electrical charges and confinement on the formation of ultrathin ceramic layers. We envision, that this PhD project will encompass the following activities:
- Explore different ES formulations to generate ultrathin electrolyte/electrode layers.
- Benchmark ES against conventional processes such as tape casting and screen printing.
- Optimize ES process parameters for film formation
- Develop methods for sequential deposition of electrode, electrolyte and support layers to create an SOFC cell.
- Assess the performance of the whole fuel cell in SOFC energy converter applications to eliminate fossil fuel technologies.
This project is offered as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (AAPS CDT). The Centre is inspiring and working with the next generation of leaders to pioneer and shape the transition to clean, sustainable, affordable mobility for all.
Prospective students for this project will be applying for the CDT programme which integrates a one-year MRes with a three to four-year PhD
AAPS is a remarkable hybrid think-and-do tank where disciplines connect and collide to explore new ways of moving people. The MRes year is conducted as an interdisciplinary cohort with a focus on systems thinking, team-working and research skills. On successful completion of the MRes, you will progress to the PhD phase where you will establish detailed knowledge in your chosen area of research alongside colleagues working across a broad spectrum of challenges facing the Industry.
The AAPS community is both stretching and supportive, encouraging our students to explore their research in a challenging but highly collaborative way. You will be able to work with peers from a diverse background, academics with real world experience and a broad spectrum of industry partners.
Throughout your time with AAPS you will benefit from our training activities such mentoring future cohorts and participation in centre activities such as masterclasses, research seminars, think tanks and guest lectures.
All new students joining the CDT will be assigned student mentor and a minimum of 2 academic supervisors at the point of starting their PhD.
Funding is available for four-years (full time equivalent) for Home students.
See our website to apply and find more details about our unique training programme (aaps-cdt.ac.uk)
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