The properties of the fuel electrode of solid oxide cells under simulated seawater electrolysis. (1st April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Luo, Xing; Wu, Anqi; Sang, Junkang; Huang, Nan; Han, Beibei; Wang, Chengtian; Gao, Yunfang; Guan, Wanbing; Singhal, Subhash C.
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 48:Number 28(2023)
• Page Start: 10359
• Page End: 10367
• Publication Date: 2023-04-01
• Subjects: Nickel-yttria-stabilized zirconia support -- Seawater -- Area specific resistance -- Solid oxide electrolysis cell; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2022.11.350
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, electrolysis of seawater in flat-tube nickel-yttria-stabilized zirconia (Ni-YSZ) electrode-supported solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) were modeled and the effects of variations in electrical conductivity and microstructure of Ni-YSZ electrode support were investigated. When the current density was greater than 700 mA·cm −2, the conductivity of the electrode support decreased slightly with an increase in current density at 800 °C in hydrogen reduction environment; the conductivity of the electrode support decreased with an increase in the current density when the current density was greater than 400 mA·cm −2 at 800 °C in the seawater electrolysis environment. During long-term durability experiment of seawater electrolysis, the degradation rates in area specific resistance (ASR) were 0.096 mΩ·cm 2 /100 h and 0.207 mΩ·cm 2 /100 h with a current density of 300 mA·cm −2 (i.e., ≤400 mA·cm −2 ) and 1000 mA·cm −2 (i.e., ≥400 mA·cm −2 ), respectively. Besides, the various ions commonly present in seawater did not contaminate the Ni-YSZ support during the long-term durability test. The degradation mechanism of seawater electrolysis in flat-tube SOECs is discussed and clarified. Highlights: Conductivity of Ni-YSZ support in seawater environment is quantitatively studied. Conductivity of Ni-YSZ support first increases and then decreases with electrolysis current. ASR of Ni-YSZ support increases by 0.207 mΩ·cm 2 /100 h under 1000 mA·cm −2 . Conductivity of Ni-YSZ support is mainly related to Ni element, but not to seawater ions.