Project Europe
Novel electrode coatings and interconnect for sustainable and reusable SOEC
Dates:
September 2022 – November 2025
Project coordinator:
Vlaamse Instelling Voor Technologisch Onderzoek N.V. VITO (BE)
Partner laboratories:
IMN, Forschungs Zentrum Julich GMBH (DE), Marion Technologies S.A. (FR), Coatema Coating Machinery GMBH (DE),Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (NL), Qsar Lab Spolka Z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnoscia (PL), Fundacion IMDEA Energia (ES), FIAXELL SARL (CH)
IMN staff involved:
Annie LE GAL LA SALLE, Eric QUAREZ, Clément NICOLLET, Olivier JOUBERT
The aim of the NOUVEAU project (Novel electrode coatings and interconnect for sustainable and reusable SOEC) is to develop precious-metal-free solid oxide cells (SOC) with reduced rare-earth content (30%). It also aims to reduce the chromium content of metal plates used for electrical contacts (20%). Component formulations and shaping techniques will be chosen with life-cycle analyses in mind. The cell will be recyclable, so its entire life cycle, including all costs, will be optimized. The work will continue right through to validation of the product on an industrial scale, based on the REACH directive for standardization and regulatory compliance.
The project includes research into new materials and their synthesis methods, as well as their multi-layer shaping. The recycling part is entrusted to IMN. The work will be carried out by a PhD student: Valentin BRARD, recruited for this project. His job is to study the possibilities of recovering the materials making up the different layers of the cell. He will have to ensure that the recycling processes are themselves virtuous in terms of costs and reagent toxicity. The Belgian partner VITO will carry out the life-cycle analysis of the recycling process.
