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TECHNOLOGY LICENSING OPPORTUNITY

Engineered electrode for protonic ceramic fuel cells and electrolysis cells

A layered electrode design for high-performance operation at intermediate temperatures (400°C – 700°C).

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

Overview: Carbon-neutral, cost-effective energy conversion and storage are critical to decarbonizing U.S. energy systems. Electrochemical conversion technologies are expected to play a vital role in achieving U.S. climate goals. Solid oxide cells are electrochemical devices that can generate electricity in fuel cell mode or produce hydrogen by splitting water in the electrolysis mode. Developing electrochemical material systems to deliver “green hydrogen” at a reasonable cost remains challenging. Catalyst (electrode) materials for these systems can determine overall operation efficiency. Few materials have demonstrated satisfactory electrochemical performance with long-term stability under realistic operation conditions.

Description: Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory have developed a high-performing and physiochemically stable electrode material for solid oxide cells (400°C – 700°C) using a new layered perovskite oxide. This material has been modified to allow triple-phase conduction (proton, oxygen ions, and electrons) with high catalytic activity towards hydrogen production (water splitting) and power generation (oxygen reduction). Test cells built with this material have shown superior hydrogen production rates in electrolysis mode and power density in fuel cell mode.

Benefits:

• This electrode demonstrates superior performance due to the novelty of material composition.


• Highly efficient solid oxide cells using this electrode can be an electrochemical platform for energy conversion (hydrogen production or electricity generation).


• Stable operation in realistic water-electrolysis conditions.


• Potentially drive the cost down for hydrogen production

Applications:

• Hydrogen production – steam electrolysis


• Fuel cell for power generation at intermediate temperature (400°C – 700°C)

Development Status: TRL 2: early stage and needs further testing.

IP Status: Patent Application No. 17/309,012, “Electrochemical Cells for Hydrogen Gas Production and Electricity Generation, and Related Structures, Apparatuses, Systems, and Methods,” BEA Docket No. BA-1056.

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.

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