Ionics and electrodics of oxides with fluorite-related structures for protonconducting solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

The thesis investigates the fundamental properties, i.e. ionic transport and hydration, of materials that can be used in sustainable energy production. Every production is confronted with new challenges and new opportunities. Fossil-fuels have offered astounding opportunities to the mankind and especially the rich western world. The technological advances around the utilization of fossil-fuels made energy available to a degree that mankind never experienced before. Now mankind is facing the challenges arising from fossil-fuel exploitation. The proven reserves of fossil-fuels are progressively decreasing, and their continuous use produces harmful effects on humans and the environment. Energy improves people’s standard of living, as it is embodied in any type of goods and is needed to produce any kind of service. If we want to decrease the disparity, in terms of quality of life, between developed and developing countries, we have to make energy available and be able to produce it in a sustainable manner. Therefore broadening the spectrum off available and sustainable means of energy production is crucial. This thesis attempted an understanding of the fundamental properties governing the ionic behaviour of pyrochlores and disordered fluorite oxides. These oxides can be employed for energy production, namely, as electrolytes and electrode components in proton conducting-solid oxide fuel cells.