DESIGNED POROUS CERAMICS FOR ELECTROCHEMICAL APPLICATIONS – OptiMA_SOFC

The proposed fundamental research will develop an integrated experimental and meso-scale simulation approach to design porous electrochemical ceramics with multifunctional design requirements. It will focus on the development of a framework for the analysis and optimization of the microstructure of this important class of materials. The competing requirements on the microstructure, for optimum electrochemical performance on one hand and mechanical performance and thermo-mechanical stability on the other, will be studied. Using this understanding to design optimal microstructures, to process them and characterize their performance is the central element of this integrated experimental and theoretical investigation. The principal aimed application is concerned with the porous electrodes of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). The project application is within the call of collaborative projects in materials research, "MATERIALS WORLD NETWORK" of the National Science Foundation (NSF).