Technologies and services

SCOPE

Use of hydrogen as an energy source

Maturity Level

TRL 3

Development Level

Laboratory

Protection Level

Patent

Compact thin-film based electrolyser/SOFC 

Entity:

This technology is a thin-film reversible solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC). The use of thin film technology (< 1μm) represents a technological innovation driven by nanoscale phenomena. The most notable differentiating factor is based on the use of nanocoatings that, (i) reduce the volume of the electrolyser cell, (ii) increase the energy density and unit area, (iii) require less Critical Raw Materials (CRMs, 0.05 kg/kW), and (iv) improve the P2G efficiency (95%) compared to other electrolysers. In addition, another advantage of using thin films is that the operating temperature of SOECs is reduced, specifically, the operating temperature is reduced to 200 ºC (commonly the operating temperature range of SOECs is between 700 ºC – 800 ºC). The proposed technology increases durability (compared to other SOEC technologies) at low cost. This technology is manufactured using conventional micro-manufacturing techniques. Therefore, low cost and large-scale production are guaranteed. 

Challenges met

  • Low content of critical raw materials (<99%). 
  • High performance and low manufacturing cost thanks to microelectronics 
  • Ultra-compact reversible electrolyser modules 
  • Converting electrical energy to H2 at high densities, low T. 
  • Faster response and can work under pressure 

Scope of application

  • Hydrogen production 

Main publications

Related projects

  • EPISTORE – Thin Film Reversible Solid Oxide Cells for Ultracompact Electrical Energy Storage 

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