Dr. Xingbo Liu, Chair Professor of Engineering and Associate Dean of Research in Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University will give a seminar titled "Protonic Ceramic Electrolysis Cells for Cost-Effective Clean Hydrogen Production" to the interested faculty and students at Discovery Park.

Abstract

In the demand of a highly efficient operation and long-service lifespan strategy of H2 production protonic ceramic electrolysis cells (PCECs) have been gathering tremendous attention over the past few years for their cost competitiveness, high efficiency, and moderate operating temperature (450−650 °C). In this talk, I will present our recent work on improving performance and durability of intermediate temperature PCECs via materials design and catalyst surface engineering. Starting with a computational fluid dynamic modeling on the PCECs air electrode, this work focused on the materials design of air electrode materials by employing model guidance, operating durability optimization by electrode structure engineering, as well as the air electrode surface tailoring to overcome the most rate-limiting step. Thus, the electrochemical performance and durability of PCEC care comprehensively improved. The fabrication methods, characterization techniques with electrochemical performance are presented. Further work plans and implications are proposed regarding optimizing the structure of materials, preparation technology, and better understanding the role of these triple conductors. This research is expected to provide an in-depth understanding and offer avenues in the rational design of PCEC with long operational life and high energy/power density in the near future.

Biography

Xingbo Liu is the Associate Dean of Research and Statler Endowed Chair Professor of Engineering in Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University. He received his Ph.D. in Materials Science from University of Science and Technology Beijing in 1999, and subsequently went to West Virginia University as a postdoc. Currently, Dr, Liu has developed an international recognized research program on materials for next generation energy conversion and storage, with the focus on high temperature materials such as solid oxide electrochemical cells & high temperature Ni-Superalloys. Dr. Liu has received numerous awards, including a R&D 100 Award (2011) for his development of SOFC interconnect coating, TMS Early Career Faculty Fellow Award (2010), TMS Brimacombe Medal (2016), State of West Virginia Innovator of the Year (2013), WVU CEMR Researcher of the Year (2015, 2011), Outstanding Researcher Awards (2015, 2011, 2009, 2008), and several others. In 2023, he received Hydrogen Production Technology Award from U.S. Department of Energy for his development of proton-conducting solid oxide electrolysis cells. He is the Fellow of ASM International and American Ceramics Society.