Mechanistic aspects of local structure and proton dynamics in proton conducting oxides for clean energy applications

Research Project, 2012 – 2014

Research on *clean energy materials* is one of the most growing areas in the field of materials science. This is because of the need of developing cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy, which is one of the major challenges in the 21st century. The performance of alternative energy technologies depends on the properties of their component materials, hence, for the development of next-generation devices, the discovery and optimization of new materials are critical to future breakthroughs. This depends on a better understanding of the nature of key fundamental properties, such as structure and ion conduction mechanisms, which underpin applied research. In this regard, this proposal aims at taking on some of these challenges in relation to proton conducting perovskite type oxides, targeted as electrolytes for intermediate-temperature (200-500 °C) fuel cells. The goal is to develop an atomic-scale understanding of the local structure and proton conduction mechanism and use this understanding for the optimization of new perovskite type oxides with higher proton conductivity in the intermediate-temperature range, which is a necessary step towards the commercialization of intermediate-temperature fuel-cell technology. The primary tools to this end involve the use of neutron and synchrotron x-ray scattering techniques, available at international large-scale facilities, and vibrational spectroscopy, available at Chalmers University of Technology.