Next generation of reversible proton conducting ceramic cells and stacks for efficient energy applications at ≥1 kW scale

This topic focuses on the development of advanced protonic or co-ionic ceramic electrochemical cells and stacks for reversible application to improve performance and durability. This should take into consideration strategies for reducing and/or recycling critical and strategic raw materials at cell/stack level. All geometries (e.g. tubular or planar) and cell architectures are in the scope of the topic. The applications of hydrogen separation, and/or hydrogen pumping or related (either side of the PCC in reducing gas atmospheres) are not in the scope.

The proposals should focus on the development and validation of novel proton ceramic or co-ionic (dual transport of protons and oxygen ions) electrochemical cells and stacks, which operate reversibly in electrolysis and fuel cell mode with high efficiency and durability. The reversible technology should be integrated in various use cases (e.g. considering various sectors, use of different fuels for the fuel cell mode, integration with renewable sources, etc.). The proposals should demonstrate how the reversibility is beneficial to the selected user cases and establish how the performance and durability of both cells and stacks are affected by the cell/stack design and the operational strategies.

Proposals should go beyond the scope and ambition of previous European projects (e.g. eCOCO2[[https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/838077]], WINNER[[https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101007165]], PROTOSTACK[[https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101101504]], GAMER[[https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/779486]], HySPIRE[[https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101137866]], PEPPER[[https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101192341]], ECOLEFINS[[https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101099717]]) and should address:

• Innovations in design and manufacturing of materials, components and assemblies to improve performance, efficiency, and durability under reversible operation;
• The proposal should demonstrate how sustainability aspects - such as reduction of Critical and Strategic Raw Materials (CSRM) content or incorporation of recycling strategies - are addressed;
• Cell and stack design advancements to optimise operation under dynamic conditions, as well as optimisation of thermal management within the stack undertaken through both modelling and experimental validation to provide design guidelines for scaling-up the stack technology. Thermal management of the stack and analysis of thermo-mechanical stresses in the different operation modes (e.g. in fuel cell mode and electrolysis mode) at stack design shall be considered;
• Validation of the reversible operation in both fuel cell (power generation) and electrolysis modes involving hydrogen, and where relevant for the use case scenario, operation with other hydrogen carriers (e.g. ammonia), co-electrolysis or (de)hydrogenation processes, etc;
• Validation of cell and stack operation in testing conditions representative of the selected applications for 2,000 hr operation;
• Production of stacks with multiple repeating units;
• The reversible operation should be demonstrated at a minimum scale of 1 kW power class;
• Elucidation of degradation mechanisms at component, cell and stack levels with the support of modelling and/or advanced characterisation techniques;
• Techno-economic assessment of the reversible technology, demonstrating system-level feasibility, impact of thermal management and associated benefits in selected user cases;
• Evaluation of at least two use cases with assessment of the environmental impact. This includes environmental life cycle analysis (LCA), demonstrating added value, decarbonisation potential, and compatibility with future energy system scenarios.

Experimental activities are expected to start at the material and cell level and end at the stack level with validation under relevant operation conditions. Broad engagement of stakeholders across the value chain is encouraged to support the transition towards industrial deployment and to ensure alignment with market needs.

For activities developing test protocols and procedures for the performance and durability assessment of (reversible) electrolysers proposals should foresee a collaboration mechanism with JRC[[https://www.clean-hydrogen.europa.eu/knowledge-management/collaboration-jrc-0_en]] (see section 2.2.4.3 "Collaboration with JRC"), in order to support EU-wide harmonisation. Test activities should adopt the already published EU harmonised testing protocols[[https://www.clean-hydrogen.europa.eu/knowledge-management/collaboration-jrc-0/clean-hydrogen-ju-jrc-deliverables_en]] to benchmark performance and quantify progress at programme level.

For additional elements applicable to all topics please refer to section 2.2.3.2.

Activities are expected to achieve TRL 4 by the end of the project - see General Annex B.

The JU estimates that an EU contribution of maximum EUR 3.00 million would allow these outcomes to be addressed appropriately.