Sulphate-ceria composite ceramics for energy environmental Co-generation technology

In this work ion conductivity and FC application were studied for the new type composite material based on SDC (samarium doped ceria) and Li ₂SO₄. Significant conductivity enhancement was achieved, e.g. 10^-2 - 0.4 Scm^-1 for the SDC-Li₂S _O4 compared to 10^-4 -10^-2 Scm^-1 for the SDC between 400 and 650°C. Some ion conductivity mechanisms were proposed correspondingly. Using the SDC-Li₂SO₄ composite materials as the electrolytes, we achieved high performances, 200-540 mWcm ^-2, for intermediate temperature (450-650°C) solid oxide FC (ITSOFC) applications. Sulfates, typically Li₂SO₄, have an excellent chemical stability in sulfur containing atmosphere. The sulfate-ceria (SDC-Li₂SO₄ composite materials can thus meet the demands to develop the sulfur tolerant and H₂S FC technologies, which was also demonstrated successfully with significant importance for both fundamental and applied research.