Advancing “Green” H₂ through High-Efficiency Reversible Solid Oxide Cells (rSOCs)

Reversible solid oxide cells (rSOCs) are one of the cleanest and most efficient options for energy storage and conversion via high-efficiency electrolysis of water to hydrogen and oxygen. They are considered an enabler for the implementation of intermittent renewable energy technologies. For example, they are ideally suited for load leveling to bridge the gap between the production and the use of electricity. The commercialization of these systems, however, hinges on rational design of novel materials with exceptional functionalities across an expanded domain of temperatures. This will dramatically reduce the cost while enhancing performance and durability. Under the support of the US Department of Energy (DE-EE0008439, DE-FE0031975, and DE-FE0032115) and Phillips 66, Georgia Tech (via the leadership of Regents Professor and Hightower Chair Meilin Liu, School of Materials Science and Engineering) is conducting frontier research and development of advanced rSOC technology based on proton conductors, which has potential to dramatically reduce the cost while enhancing the performance and durability of the system. Current research focuses upon the development of novel proton-conducting electrolytes, mixed-conducting electrodes, and highly-active and durable catalysts for a new generation of rSOCs. They have the potential to be transformative and disruptive in advancing hydrogen production technology. Further, the scientific knowledge acquired can also advance other membrane reactor technologies for electrolysis of CO2 or production of ammonia and other hydrocarbon fuels.