Project description
New spectroscopy methods could lead to the design of better fuel cell interfaces
Solid oxide fuel cells have garnered significant attention for their ability to offer a clean and sustainable way of generating electricity. Compared with single-phase interfaces, transition metal oxide heterointerfaces exhibit orders of magnitude faster ion exchange/diffusion kinetics in solid oxide cells. However, due to the limited resolution of spectroscopy instruments compared to the nanometre length scales of heterointerfaces, the underlying electrokinetic mechanisms remain poorly understood. To address this issue, the INSPIRE project, funded under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions programme, will conduct an in-situ study of a range of heterointerfaces using low-energy ion scattering spectroscopy and high-resolution plasma-focused ion beam secondary ion mass spectroscopy. The project will also design strain-engineered vertically aligned composite nanostructures of transition metal oxide heterostructures using pulsed laser deposition.
Objective
Improving energy efficiency, reducing emissions and increasing the share of renewables are among the primary targets of the EU. To achieve these goals, solid-state energy devices, including solid oxide cells (SOCs), have gathered significant attention. In recent years, advances in material design have opened up unprecedented opportunities for development. For example, compared with either single phase, heterointerfaces of transition metal oxides (TMOs) exhibit orders of magnitude faster ion exchange/diffusion kinetics in SOCs. However, there is continuous debate regarding the origin of these enhancements, mainly due to limited instrumental resolutions compared to the nanometre length scale of heterointerfaces. The underlying electrokinetic mechanisms must be understood and quantitatively determined so that we can rationally design interfaces with superior properties. This will open up new avenues in the low-temperature SOC (LT-SOC) applications. To this end, we propose an in-situ study of a range of heterointerfaces using both Low Energy Ion Scattering Spectroscopy and recently installed, one-of-a-kind and high-resolution Plasma Focused Ion Beam Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy. We will design strain-engineered vertically aligned composite nanostructures (VAN) of TMO heterostructures using Pulsed Laser Deposition. VAN design allows for strain tuning in electrodes with thicknesses reaching micrometre length scales, thus paving the way for potential commercialisation. The performance of these heterostructures will be investigated for LT-SOC applications, targeting higher outputs at lower operating temperatures (300-500°C). This project combines the candidate’s expertise in SOCs with the host institute’s unique surface characterisation capabilities. This work is expected to form a cornerstone in the researcher's academic career while significantly contributing to boosting European excellence by studying a highly topical research question.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- engineering and technology environmental engineering ecosystem-based management climatic change mitigation
- natural sciences chemical sciences inorganic chemistry inorganic compounds
- natural sciences physical sciences optics laser physics pulsed lasers
- natural sciences physical sciences optics spectroscopy
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Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.1.3. - EXCELLENT SCIENCE - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.1.3.2. - Nurturing excellence by means of cross-border and cross-sector mobility
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2018
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
SW7 2AZ London
United Kingdom
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.