Metal-Supported Solid Oxide Cells for Energy Conversion, Electrolysis, and Chemical Synthesis

The LBNL metal-supported solid oxide cell architecture contains zirconia electrolyte and porous backbones co-sintered between porous stainless steel supports. Advantages of this design include low-cost structural materials, mechanical ruggedness, excellent tolerance to redox cycling, and extremely fast start-up capability. These features enable a wide variety of applications including electrolysis for intermittent renewables, distributed power generation, and synthesis of valuable chemicals. Highlights from efforts in these areas are presented.