Advanced Synthesis of Proton Conducting CeramicsCraig P. Taylor, Colorado School of Mines, DMR 0820518

Proton-conducting perovskites are enabling materials for intermediate temperature SOFCs and electrolyzers. Our team has demonstrated the benefits of oxide-based additives to promote grain growth during synthesis. A comprehensive screening revealed that oxides with a +2 transition metal cation dramatically enhance the sinterability of proton conducting perovskites. This work has culminated in the scientific understanding and commercial development of a new synthesis methodology, solid-state reactive sintering (SSRS), which has been adopted by our industrial partner (Coorstek) for fuel cell and ionic membrane applications.