TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Enabling Maximum Performance of Protonic Ceramic Fuel/Electrolysis Cells

Agency: ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF
State: Idaho
Level of Government: Federal
Category:
  • 61 - Electric Wire, and Power and Distribution Equipment
Opps ID: NBD00159371766269749
Posted Date: Mar 27, 2023
Due Date: Mar 27, 2024
Solicitation No: BA-1353
Source: Members Only
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TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY Enabling Maximum Performance of Protonic Ceramic Fuel/Electrolysis Cells
Active
Contract Opportunity
Notice ID
BA-1353
Related Notice
Department/Ind. Agency
ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF
Sub-tier
ENERGY, DEPARTMENT OF
Office
BATTELLE ENERGY ALLIANCE–DOE CNTR
General Information
  • Contract Opportunity Type: Special Notice (Original)
  • All Dates/Times are: (UTC-04:00) EASTERN STANDARD TIME, NEW YORK, USA
  • Original Published Date: Mar 27, 2023 02:39 pm EDT
  • Original Response Date: Mar 27, 2024 11:00 am EDT
  • Inactive Policy: 15 days after response date
  • Original Inactive Date:
  • Initiative:
    • None
Classification
  • Original Set Aside:
  • Product Service Code: 6140 - BATTERIES, RECHARGEABLE
  • NAICS Code:
    • 335999 - All Other Miscellaneous Electrical Equipment and Component Manufacturing
  • Place of Performance:
    Idaho Falls , ID 83415
    USA
Description

TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY



Enabling Maximum Performance of Protonic Ceramic Fuel/Electrolysis Cells



A novel method for strengthening the bond between electrodes and electrolytes, resulting in enhanced cell performance and long-term stability.





Image 1: This method has the potential to significantly enhance the applicability and capabilities of current sustainable energy infrastructure.







Opportunity: Idaho National Laboratory (INL), managed and operated by Battelle Energy Alliance, LLC (BEA), offers the opportunity to explore a license and/or collaborative research agreement to commercialize this process of rejuvenating electrochemical cell surfaces. This technology transfer opportunity is part of a dedicated effort to convert government-funded research into job opportunities, businesses, and an improved way of life for the American people.



Overview: Protonic ceramic fuel/electrolysis cells (PCFCs/PCECs) promise intermediate-temperature applications for reversible conversions between chemical and electrical energy with high efficiency and zero emissions. Although high proton conductivity has been demonstrated, these cells have yet to fully utilize them because of the poor bond between the electrode-electrolyte interface. A stronger bond would significantly enhance the electrochemical cell performance but also the long-term stability of the cell. Previous attempts at solving this issue have resulted in overly complex and expensive processes that are too difficult to implement.



Description: Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory have developed a method for strengthening the bond between electrode and electrolyte through a series of surface treatments to rejuvenate the high-temperature annealed electrolyte surface before bonding with the oxygen electrode. INL’s research shows that a simple acid treatment can effectively rejuvenate the high-temperature annealed electrolyte surface. This results in reactive bonding between the oxygen electrode and the electrolyte and improved electrochemical performance and stability. This process enables exceptional protonic ceramic fuel-cell performance and stable electrolysis operations.



Benefits:




  • Strengthens the bond between electrode and electrolyte, resulting in:

    • Cell performance enhancement and optimization

    • Improved long-term stability



  • Scalable for mass production



Applications:




  • Allows for broadened use of protonic ceramic electrochemical/fuel cells in the sustainable energy infrastructure:

    • Chemical production

    • Fuel production

    • Hydrogen production

    • Power generation



  • Also applicable to:

    • Oxide cathodes of lithium-ion batteries

    • All-solid-state batteries

    • Metal-ceramic interfaces







Development Status: TRL 3. Undergoing proof-of-concept work. In need of further development.



IP Status: Patent Filing No. PCT/US23/60386, “Reaching the Intrinsic Performance Limit in Protonic Ceramic Electrochemical Cells,” BEA Docket No. BA-1353.



Additional Information



Bian, W., Wu, W., Wang, B. et al. Revitalizing interface in protonic ceramic cells by an acid etch. Nature 604, 479–485 (2022). https://rdcu.be/cMBSv



INL seeks to license the above intellectual property to a company with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Exclusive rights in defined fields of use may be available. Added value is placed on relationships with small businesses, start-up companies, and general entrepreneurship opportunities.



Please visit Technology Deployment’s website at https://inl.gov/inl-initiatives/technology-deployment for more information on working with INL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.



Companies interested in learning more about this licensing opportunity should contact Andrew Rankin at td@inl.gov.


Attachments/Links
Contact Information
Contracting Office Address
  • 1955 N Fremont Avenue
  • Idaho Falls , ID 83415
  • USA
Primary Point of Contact
Secondary Point of Contact


History
  • Mar 27, 2023 02:39 pm EDTSpecial Notice (Original)

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