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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: GR/R06052/01
Title: Optimisation of Scandia-Stabilised Zirconias For Fuel Cell and Other Applications
Principal Investigator: Travis, Dr R
Other Investigators:
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
BG Rolls-Royce Plc (UK)
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Organisation: Imperial College London
Scheme: Standard Research (Pre-FEC)
Starts: 12 January 2001 Ends: 11 January 2004 Value (£): 59,542
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Fuel Cell Technologies Materials Characterisation
Materials Processing Materials Synthesis & Growth
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Electronics Energy
Related Grants:
GR/R05772/01
Panel History:  
Summary on Grant Application Form
Scandia stabilised zarconias are well known to offer much better electrochemical performance than yttria-stabilised zarconias for fuel cell operation; however, until recent major price reductions, the high cost of scandia had limited interest in these materials. In this project we propose to optimise these materials for high temperature electrochemical applications such as SOFC's. This study is divided into two parts; the optimisation of scandia-zirconia electrolyte materials and the development of novel porous scandia zirconia titanates for utilisation in anode supported SOFC designs. Initially we propose to investigate the electrical and mechanical properties of dense tape cast and sintered pellet membranes in order to characterise performance of these materials and to ascertain the influence of the phase transitions from cubic that occur on ageing in this system. It is proposed to optimise density electrical and mechanical properties by control of processing variables. Studies will be performed in order to optimise the composition of scandia-stabilised zirconias by chemical doping in order to avoid harmful phase transitions, whilst retaining high ionic conductivity. Porous materials will be prepared and their microstructure, mechanical and electric properties optimised utilisation in anode supported solid oxide fuel cells.
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Organisation Website: http://www.imperial.ac.uk