Partners
Politechnika Gdańska
Description
Goal: The project will propose and characterize new protective materials for steel oxide interconnectors of electrochemical cells. To prevent degradation of oxide fuel cell stacks caused by steel interconnectors, their surfaces are covered with ceramic protective layers. The material currently used is spinels from the Mn1+xCo2-xO4 group (MCO, x most often 0.5 or 1). Unfortunately, cobalt is classified as a carcinogenic material. Its use therefore requires special safety measures, which results in a significant increase in production costs and a potential threat to human health. Research hypothesis An alternative material to the currently used spinel (Mn,Co)3O4 can be found. It should be composed of non-toxic, easily available elements. The physicochemical properties should be similar to the reference material: electrical conductivity, thermal expansion, sinterability, chromium diffusion coefficient, ability to form layers.