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ion MWN: New Mexico-Bayreuth Research Partnership

Paul Fuierer, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, DMR 1108466

• Impact: This collaboration between P. Fuierer (NMT) and R. Moos (University of Bayreuth, UBT) involves student and faculty exchanges to leverage new research in functional materials and enhance student experiences. Research is centered around bismuth vanadate (BIMEVOX), a super oxygen-ion conductor. At UBT, new gas sensors and de-NOx cells are being designed. Thus the work will contribute to global issues of energy and the environment.

• Outcome: With BIMEVOX powders prepared at NMT, UBT researchers have utilized a unique aerosol deposition (AD) process to deposit thick films. A first of a kind gas sensor has been built and tested for CO, NOx and NH3 sensitivity at low temperature (300°C). The sensor is particularly sensitive to carbon monoxide (CO).

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Part of the international team at UBT; PhD student Jörg Exner, Fuierer (currently guest

professor), and Prof. Ralf Moos. (left to right)

BIMEVOX thick film mixed potential sensor. A voltage signal develops between differing

electrodes in the presence of gas.

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ion Ceramics for Low Temperature Fuel Cells

Paul Fuierer, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, DMR 1108466

• Impact: Doped bismuth vanadate (BIMEVOX) has the highest oxygen ion conductivity of any known ceramic at 500°C, making it a prime candidate as the solid electrolyte in low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The project addresses this material’s challenges, in particular the red-ox stability and 2-dimensional anisotropic conductivity. If successful, this ceramic can replace yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) whose high temperature operation limits the widespread use of SOFCs.

• Outcome: Hot-forging parameters have been developed such that ultra-dense ceramics can now be obtained for the first time. Densities are near theoretical (98-99%). Strategies for increasing the (crystallographic/grain) orientation are being explored to address the anisotropy.

BIMEVOX cylinders before and after forging.Student Kevin Ring removes a forged specimen.

Special high temperature forging can yield near- theoretically dense ceramics with preferred grain

orientation, evident in this photo of BIMEVOX.

Forging axis