A obtenção do Cermet de níquel-zircônia via moagem de alta energia (Mechanical Alloying MA) foi estudado visando a preparação de anodos de células a combustível de óxido sólido (SOFC). O níquel metálico foi adicionado em três concentrações: 30, 40 e 50% em volume. As operações de moagem foram conduzidas em moinho vibratório de alta energia do tipo SPEX. Estudou-se a influência do tempo de moagem, a eficiência de aditivos para controle do processo, tipo e geometria dos potes de moagem. A influência destas variáveis foram avaliadas através de análises de tamanho de partículas, determinação de área superficial e morfologia do material resultante. O uso de pote de teflon resultou em contaminação por carbono. Por outro lado, o uso de pote de aço aumenta a contaminação por impurezas metálicas. As diversas geometrias projetadas para os potes mostraram que potes com maiores raios de concordância (R.15) apresentaram melhor rendimento. Após a conformação e sinterização a 1300°C em atmosfera de argônio, as amostras apresentaram valores de densidade entre 60 a 80% da densidade teórica. As microestruturas observadas por microscopia eletrônica de varredura revelaram uma boa homogeneidade na distribuição de fases do Cermet. A técnica de moagem de alta energia apresentou-se como boa opção na fabricação de Cermet Ni-ZrO2. / The ZrO2 and metallic Ni Cermet obtained by Mechanical Alloying MA is studied in the present work with the objective to prepare solid oxide fuel cells anodes (SOFC). Metallic Ni is added under three different concentrations: 30, 40 and 50% volume. The millings were conducted in SPEX vibratory mill where the influence of milling time, process control additives efficiency, type and geometry of milling vessels were studied. The study of the influence of these variables was made under particle size analysis, surface area determination and resulting material morphology. The use of teflon vessel causes contamination by carbon. On the other side, steel vessel increases the contamination by metallic impurities. The several geometries projected and analyzed for the vessels showed that vessels with larger bottom radius (R.15) showed the best results. After conformation and sintering at 1300°C in argon atmosphere the samples reached densities between 60 and 80% of the theoretical density. Microstructures observed by scanning electron microscopy reveal good homogeneity in the Cermet phases distribution. The mechanical alloying technique was considered a good option to obtain Ni- ZrO2 Cermet.

Submitted by Márcio Maia (marciokjmaia@gmail.com) on 2016-08-08T12:30:12Z No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1568585 bytes, checksum: a2238a4716a4526680dc4b1d96c2e0b7 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-08-08T12:30:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 1568585 bytes, checksum: a2238a4716a4526680dc4b1d96c2e0b7 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-04-29 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Fuel cells (FC) are electrochemical devices that convert chemical energy from certain fuels into electrical energy, through oxidation-reduction reactions. They have a basic structure consisting of an electrolyte layer intercalating two electrodes: the cathode (positive electrode) and anode (negative electrode). In this work, cathode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) were developed, such as lanthanum cobaltite doped with strontium and iron (La0,6Sr0,4Co0,2Fe0,8O3-8-LSCF6428) was synthesized by the modified polymeric precursors method, also known as modified Pechini method and compared the performance with the composite electrodes La0,6Sr0,4Co0,2Fe0,8O3-8/Ce0,9 Gd0,1O2-8 (LSCF6428/ CGO) and La0,6Sr0,4Co0,2Fe0,8O3-8/Ce0,9Gd0,1O2-8/Prox (LSCF6428/CGO/PROX). The method of synthesis consists in the use of commercial gelatin as polymerizing agent for metal ions. The powder obtained at 350 ° C / 2h was calcined at 800 and 1000 ° C / 4h and characterized by thermal gravimetric analysis (TG), particle size distribution, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The films of (LSCF6428), (LSCF6428 / CGO) and (LSCF6428 / CGO / PROX) were obtained by serigraph of calcined powders at 1000 ° C. The films were deposited on ceria substrates doped with gadolinia Ce0,9Gd0,1O2-8(CGO), sintered at 1150°C and characterized by impedance spectroscopy (in pure oxygen) between 600 and 800°C. The obtained results indicated that the method used was efficient in the formation of porous powders and with the perovskite crystalline structure. The crystallite size for the composite of LSCF6428 / CGO was of 336 (nm) for the LSCF6428 and 98 (nm) for the CGO, being also the expected for a powder calcined at 1000 ° C. The value of the area specific resistance (ASR) for the electrode of pure LSCF6428 at 750 ° C was of 0.25 ohms.cm2 quite plausible, especially because it was not made use of platinum, for the LSCF/CGO/ Prox was obtained an ASR of 0.02 ohms.cm2 at 750 ° C. / As células a combustível (CaC) são dispositivos eletroquímicos que transformam a energia química de determinados combustíveis em energia elétrica, por meio de reações de oxirredução. Possuem uma estrutura básica que consiste em uma camada de eletrólito intercalando dois eletrodos: cátodo (eletrodo positivo) e anodo (eletrodo negativo). Neste trabalho, foram desenvolvidos materiais catódicos para células a combustíveis de óxidos sólidos (SOFC), tais como, a cobaltita de lantânio dopada com estrôncio e ferro (La0,6Sr0,4Co0,2Fe0,8O3-δ – LSCF6428) foi sintetizado pelo método dos precursores poliméricos modificado, também conhecido como Pechini modificado e comparado o desempenho com o de eletrodos compósitos La0,6Sr0,4Co0,2Fe0,8O3-δ/Ce0,9Gd0,1O2-δ (LSCF6428/CGO) e La0,6Sr0,4Co0,2Fe0,8O3-δ/ Ce0,9Gd0,1O2-δ/PrOx (LSCF6428/CGO/PrOx). O método de síntese consiste na utilização da gelatina comercial como agente polimerizante para íons metálicos. O pó obtido a 350 °C/ 2h foi calcinado a 800 e 1000 °C/ 4h e caracterizados por analise termogravimétrica (TG), distribuição de tamanho de partícula, difração de raio X (DRX) e microscopia eletrônica de varredura (MEV). Os filmes de (LSCF6428), (LSCF6428/CGO) e (LSCF6428/CGO/PrOx), foram obtidos por serigrafia de pós calcinados a 1000 °C. Os filmes foram depositados sobre substratos de céria dopada com gadolínia Ce0,9Gd0,1O2-δ (CGO), sinterizados a 1150 °C e caracterizados por espectroscopia de impedância (em oxigênio puro) entre 600 e 800 °C. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que o método utilizado foi eficiente na formação de pós porosos e com a estrutura cristalina perovskita. O tamanho de cristalito para o compósito de LSCF6428/CGO foi de 336 (nm) para o LSCF6428 e 98 (nm) para o CGO, sendo, também o esperado para um pó calcinado a 1000 °C. O valor da resistência específica de área (REA) para o eletrodo de LSCF6428 puro a 750 °C foi de 0,25 ohms.cm2 bastante plausível, principalmente por não ter sido feito uso de platina, para o LSCF/CGO/PrOx foi obtido uma REA de 0,02 ohms.cm2 a 750 °C.

GdBaCo2O5+δ a été présenté récemment comme un matériau de cathode potentiel pour pile à combustible à oxyde solide. Cependant, sa réactivité chimique avec la zircone yttriée et son fort coefficient de dilatation constituent une limite importante à son utilisation. L’objet de ce travail est l’étude des composés GdBaCo2 xMxO5+δ (M = Ni, Fe, x = 0, 0.1, 0.2…) i.e. substitués au fer et au nickel pour objectif d'améliorer les propriétés du composé original pour l'application pile à combustible. Tout d'abord, différentes méthodes de synthèse ont été essayées et comparées, les méthodes par voie chimique montrant un net avantage pour l'obtention de taux de substitution élevés. Les propriétés physico-chimiques des matériaux synthétisés ont été caractérisées. Si la structure des composés évolue avec la nature et le taux du substituant, les propriétés de ces composés en termes de conduction électronique ou d'évolution du contenu en oxygène sont relativement constantes. Finalement, les performances électrochimiques de plusieurs compositions sous forme d'électrodes poreuses ont été testées avec différents types d'électrolytes. Les résultats montrent que la substitution n'apporte rien pour ce qui concerne la dilatation des composés et par ailleurs ne semble pas améliorer significativement les performances électrochimiques. / GdBaCo2O5+δ has been recently introduced as a potential cathode material for solid oxide fuel cell. However, its utilization has been strongly limited by its chemical reactivity with yttrium-stabilized zirconia and its significant thermal expansion coefficient. This work focus on the study of compounds GdBaCo2 xMxO5+δ (M = Ni, Fe, x = 0, 0.1, 0.2…) i.e. substituted by Ni or Fe in order to ameliorate the properties of original composition for fuel cell application. Firstly, different synthesis methods have been attempted and compared, and the chemical routes showed a clear advantage for obtaining high substitution proportion. The physico-chemical properties of synthesized materials have been characterized. The structure of these compounds evolves with the substitution nature and proportion, while their properties such as electrical conductivity or changes in the oxygen content are relatively constant. Finally, the electrochemical performances of several compositions serving as porous electrodes were tested with different types of electrolytes. The results exhibit that the substitution neither shows evident influence with respect to the thermal expansion of these compounds, nor significantly improves their electrochemical performance.

O mundo moderno é extremamente dependente de combustíveis fósseis como fonte de energia primária e essa forte dependência leva a problemas políticos, econômicos e ambientais. Como possível solução a esses problemas tem-se as células combustíveis, pois são dispositivos que geram energia elétrica limpa diretamente de reações eletroquímicas produzindo, além da energia elétrica, apenas calor e água. Logo, percebe-se que essas células são fontes de energia confiáveis, renováveis e não poluentes, que contribuem para o desenvolvimento sustentável. Devido a isso, este trabalho teve como objetivo principal a síntese (por um método inédito) e a caracterização de materiais porosos a base de cromita de lantânio, LaxSr1-xCryFe1-y(Mn1-y)O3-?, para possível implementação como material de anodo e catodo de célula a combustível de óxido sólido (SOFC). Particularmente, estudos com anodos nos quais o transporte eletrônico é feito por materiais cerâmicos ao invés de metais são a área mais promissora na pesquisa recente. Além disso, materiais a base de manganita de lantânio dopadas com estrôncio são na atualidade os materiais mais usados na construção do catodo da SOFC. Nesta tese os materiais foram sintetizados pelo método sol-gel com agentes direcionador e dilatador de estrutura, resultando em materiais porosos em forma de esponja e com a estrutura perovskita, porém com fases espúrias. Foi estudada a influência do processamento de calcinação e de dopagem sobre as estruturas cristalográficas e porosas dos materiais. A maior temperatura de calcinação favoreceu a formação da estrutura perovskita com a retenção da fase romboédrica e reduziu a presença das fases espúrias, porém reduziu a porosidade, principalmente dos menores mesoporos, e a área superficial dos materiais. Por outro lado, ao dopar o sítio B os materiais com 75 %mol de La e calcinação a 1000 °C, observou-se a formação de um maior volume de mesoporos, ao mesmo tempo, que produziu uma maior quantidade de mesoporos menores e favoreceu a retenção da fase romboédrica da estrutura perovskita. Quanto ao comportamento eletrocatalítico, as células com eletrodos confeccionados a partir de La0,33Sr0,66Cr0,33Mn0,33O3-? apresentaram os melhores resultados tanto para anodo como para catodo entre as amostras avaliadas na tese. Além do mais, foram obtidos dois materiais, um cerâmico (La0,33Sr0,66Cr0,33Mn0,33O3-?) e um compósito cerâmico (La0,33Sr0,66Cr0,33Mn0,33O3-? + ZrO2 8%mol Y2O3) bons candidatos a catodo da SOFC. Esses materiais possuem uma composição química não encontrada na literatura para tal finalidade, ou seja, são inéditos. / The modern world is extremely dependent on fossil combustibles as primary source of energy and, this dependence brings political, economic and ambient problems. As a possible solution to these problems are the fuel cells, because they are devices that generate clean electric energy directly from electrochemical reactions, producing besides electric energy, heat and water. Therefore, these cells are reliable, renewable and non-pollutant sources, that contribute to the sustainable development. Related to it, this work had the main goal the synthesis (by a new method) and characterization of porous materials based on lanthanum chromite, LaxSr1-xCryFe1-y(Mn1-y)O3-?, for possible use as anode and cathode material of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC). In particular, studies of anodes in which the electronic transport is performed by ceramic materials instead of metals are the most promising recent research area. Moreover, materials based on lanthanum manganite doped with strontium are now a days the more used materials for SOFC cathodes. In this thesis, the materials were synthesized by the sol-gel method with directing and swelling structure agents, resulting in porous sponge materials with perovskite structure, but having spurious phases. The influence of the calcination and doping of the materials upon the crystallographic and porous structures were studied. Higher calcination temperature favored the formation of the perovskite structure and reduced the presence of spurious phases, but reduced the porosity, mainly of smaller mesopores and the surface area. On the other hand, doping the B site in materials with 75 %mol of La and the calcination at 1000 oC produced a higher mesopore volume, a higher amount of small mesopores and favored the retention of the rhombohedral perovskite structure. Regarding the catalytic behavior, the cells with electrodes of La0,33Sr0,66Cr0,33Mn0,33O3-? presented the best results as anode and cathode among the evaluate samples. Moreover, two materials were obtained, a ceramic one, (La0,33Sr0,66Cr0,33Mn0,33O3-?) and a ceramic composite, (La0,33Sr0,66Cr0,33Mn0,33O3-? + ZrO2 8%mol Y2O3), good candidates as SOFC cathodes. These materials have a chemical composition, which were not reported in the literature for this application, being unique.

Novel anode catalysts have been developed for sour natural gas solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) applications. Sour natural gas comprises light hydrocarbons, and typically also contains H2S. An alternative fuel SOFC that operates directly on sour natural gas would reduce the overall cost of plant construction and operation for fuel cell power generation. The anode for such a fuel cell must have good catalytic and electrocatalytic activity for hydrocarbon conversion, sulfur-tolerance, resistance to coking, and good electronic and ionic conductivity. The catalytic activity and stability of ABO3 (A= La, Ce and/or Sr, B=Cr and one or more of Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Mn, or Co) perovskites as SOFC anode materials depends on both A and B, and are modied by substituents. The materials have been prepared by both solid state and wet-chemical methods. The physical and chemical characteristics of the materials have been fully characterized using electron microscopy, XRD, calorimetry, dilatometry, particle size and area, using XPS and TGA-DSC-MS. Electrochemical performance was determined using potentiodynamic and potentiostatic cell testing, electrochemical impedance analysis, and conductivity measurements. Neither Ce0.9Sr0.1VO3 nor Ce0.9Sr0.1Cr0.5V0.5O3 was an active anode for oxidation of H2 and CH4 fuels. However, active catalysts comprising Ce0.9Sr0.1V(O,S)3 and Ce0.9Sr0.1Cr0.5V0.5(O,S)3 were formed when small concentrations of H2S were present in the fuels. The oxysuldes formed in-situ were very active for conversion of H2S. The maximum performance improved from 50 mW cm2 to 85 mW cm2 in 0.5% H2S/CH4 at 850 oC with partial substitution of V by Cr in Ce0.9Sr0.1V(O,S)3 . Selective conversion of H2S offers potential for sweetening of sour gas without affecting the hydrocarbons. Perovskites La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5X0.5O3, (henceforth referred to as LSCX, X=Ti, Mn, Fe, Co) are active for conversion of H2, CH4 and 0.5% H2S/CH4. The order of activity in the different fuels depends on the substituent element: CH4, X=Fe>Mn>Ti; H2,X = Fe>Mn>Ti; and 0.5% H2S/CH4, X = Fe>Ti>Mn. The electrocatalytic activity for methane oxidation in a fuel cell correlates with ex-situ temperature programmed catalytic activity. A process is proposed to explain the difference in catalyst order and enhanced activities in H2S/CH4 as fuel compared to CH4 alone. The maximum power density of 250 mW cm2 was attained using a fuel cell with a composite anode, LSCFe-GDC | YSZ(0.3 mm) | Pt, operated at 850 oC (GDC is Ce0.9Gd0.1O3, a good mixed conductor under reducing conditions). / Materials Engineering

In this study, a deposition system called EAVD was made to deposite porous LSCF films used as cathode material in the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). The relation of deposition parameters to morphology was discussed. Porous La0.8Sr0.2Co0.2Fe0.8O3 films were successfully deposited on Corning glass and ceria substrates, and a pseudo-cubic perovskite phase was obtained after a post-calcination at 750¢J for 2 hrs. Deposition parameters, such as deposition time, deposition temperature, flow rate, voltage applied, different kinds of set-ups (downward spraying or upward spraying), were discussed. The obtained calcined films were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). On the other hand, surface and cross-section morphology were examined using SEM. In the series using downward spraying system, deposition temperature and deposition time showed profound effect on morphology. With increasing the extent of these two factors, porous films were obtained. With decreasing the extent of these two factors, however, dense films were obtained. The effects of other parameters to morphology were less obvious. Under proper conditions, cauliflower-like films with high porosity were obtained. In the series using upward spraying system (vertical set-up), reticular films were successfully obtained using deposition temperature ranging from 275~320¢J, flow rate 1.0~1.5 ml/hr, and deposition time within 2 hrs. In the series of flow rate, the pores of reticular structure seemed to grow up with increasing flow rate. Under the condition of prolonged deposition (4 hrs), a stalactitc structure with micropores on it was obtained. The highly porous structures obtained in this study are very suitable for applications in gas sensor and electrodes in SOFC.

No description available.

La demanda de fuentes de energías alternativas a nivel mundial se encuentra en un creciente proceso de aumento debido a la disminución de las reservas de hidrocarburos. Debemos considerar que los efectos generados por los gases de combustión de los motores de los vehículos han generado grandes volúmenes de gases que contribuyen en gran medida al efecto invernadero, los gases de dióxido de carbono (CO2) y de metano (CH4) entre otros. Actualmente los países buscan alternativas energéticas, basadas en las denominadas energías renovables. Entonces la energía eólica, la energía solar, la energía geotérmica, la energía hidráulica, la energía mareomotriz, etc. entre otras tantas fuentes de energía son consideradas como alternativas probables. Las celdas de óxidos sólidos (SOFC o Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell) surgen como una alternativa debido a que en ellas se puede utilizar hidrógeno, metano y monóxido de carbono entre otros. Esta constituye un camino previo a utilizar solamente hidrógeno. Estas celdas SOFC, son útiles por el aporte de energía, como también como generadoras de agua. Los productos obtenidos de su funcionamiento no generan gases de efecto invernadero. Son de particular interés el estudio de celdas SOFC que trabajan a temperaturas intermedias en el rango de 500 °C a 800 °C, las cuales se las denomina Celdas de combustibles de Óxido Sólido de Temperatura Intermedia (IT-SOFC). La importancia de trabajar a menores temperaturas se fundamenta en la utilización de conectores de menor costo, pero trae aparejado un problema de menor rendimiento de la celda debido al sobre-potencial catódico. Es necesario mejorar el rendimiento electroquímico de los cátodos y esto se logra en parte optimizando su microestructura y composición. El objetivo de esta tesis es la búsqueda de nuevos materiales catódicos conductores mixtos, que posean un determinado grado de porosidad necesario para aumentar la difusión de las especies y analizar la respuesta electroquímica de los materiales La0.4Sr0.6CoO3-δ y de La0.4Sr0.6FeO3-δ (LSCO), utilizando para su síntesis el Método Químico de Pechini. Se pudo demostrar que la sustitución con Co en esta estructura presenta un mejor desempeño como material catódico / The demand for alternative energy sources worldwide is in a growing process of increase due to the decrease of hydrocarbon reserves. We must consider that the effects generated by the combustion gases from vehicle engines have generated large volumes of gases that contribute greatly to the greenhouse effect, carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) gases, among others. Currently, countries are looking for energy alternatives, based on so-called renewable energies. So wind power, solar power, geothermal power, hydro power, tidal power, etc. among many other sources of energy are considered probable alternatives. Solid oxide cells (SOFC or Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell) have emerged as an alternative because they can use hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide among others. These SOFC cells are useful for supplying energy, as well as for generating water. The products obtained from its operation do not generate greenhouse gases.Of particular interest is the study of SOFC cells that work at intermediate temperatures in the range of 500 °C to 800 °C, which are called Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (IT-SOFC). The importance of working at lower temperatures is based on the use of lower cost connectors, but it entails a problem of lower cell performance due to the cathodic over-potential. The electrochemical performance of the cathodes needs to be improved and this is achieved in part by optimizing their microstructure and composition. The objective of this thesis is the search for new mixed conducting cathodic materials, which have a certain degree of porosity necessary to increase the diffusion of the species. We have achieved this objective by analyzing the electrochemical response of the materials La0.4Sr0.6CoO3-δ and La0.4Sr0.6FeO3-δ (LSCO) that it has been achieved using the Pechini Chemical Method. It was demonstrated that the substitution with Co in this structure present a better performance as a cathode material.

GdBaCo2O5+δ a été présenté récemment comme un matériau de cathode potentiel pour pile à combustible à oxyde solide. Cependant, sa réactivité chimique avec la zircone yttriée et son fort coefficient de dilatation constituent une limite importante à son utilisation. L'objet de ce travail est l'étude des composés GdBaCo2 xMxO5+δ (M = Ni, Fe, x = 0, 0.1, 0.2...) i.e. substitués au fer et au nickel pour objectif d'améliorer les propriétés du composé original pour l'application pile à combustible. Tout d'abord, différentes méthodes de synthèse ont été essayées et comparées, les méthodes par voie chimique montrant un net avantage pour l'obtention de taux de substitution élevés. Les propriétés physico-chimiques des matériaux synthétisés ont été caractérisées. Si la structure des composés évolue avec la nature et le taux du substituant, les propriétés de ces composés en termes de conduction électronique ou d'évolution du contenu en oxygène sont relativement constantes. Finalement, les performances électrochimiques de plusieurs compositions sous forme d'électrodes poreuses ont été testées avec différents types d'électrolytes. Les résultats montrent que la substitution n'apporte rien pour ce qui concerne la dilatation des composés et par ailleurs ne semble pas améliorer significativement les performances électrochimiques.

Fuel cell power generation systems provide a clean alternative to the conventional fossil fuel based systems. Fuel cell systems have a high efficiency and use easily available hydrocarbons like methane. Moreover, since the by-product is water, they have a very low environmental impact. The fuel cell system consists of several subsystems requiring a lot of effort from engineers in diverse areas. Fuel cell simulators can provide a convenient and economic alternative for testing the electrical subsystems such as converters and inverters. This thesis proposes a low-cost and an easy-to-use fuel cell simulator using a programmable DC supply along with a control module written in LabVIEW. This simulator reproduces the electrical characteristics of a 5kW solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack under various operating conditions. The experimental results indicate that the proposed simulator closely matches the voltage-current characteristic of the SOFC system under varying load conditions. Effects of non-electrical parameters like hydrogen flow rate are also modeled and these parameters are taken as dynamic inputs from the user. The simulator is customizable through a graphical user interface and allows the user to model other types of fuel cells with the respective voltage-current data. The simulator provides an inexpensive and accurate representation of a solid oxide fuel cell under steady state and transient conditions and can replace an actual fuel cell during testing of power conditioning equipment.