Robust Monolithic Reversible Solid Oxide Cell
(Projet-ANR-22-CE05-0030)

Octobre 2022 - Septembre 2026

Partenaire IMN du projet : Clément NICOLLET  (équipe ST2E)

Coordinateur :
SRT Microcéramique Vendôme
Partenaires :
Laboratoire de Mécanique Gabriel Lamé (Lamé Orléans)
Institut de Chimie de la Matière Condensée (ICMCB Bordeaux)
Institut de Recherche sur les Céramiques (IRCER Limoges)
ENGIE

Personnels IMN impliqués :
Annie LE GAL LA SALLE (CR CNRS)

---

High-temperature electrolysis (SOEC) is as a technology with significant potential, positioning itself as a relevant solution for several markets in the medium/long term (2025 – 2030), mainly: (i) large-scale H2 production due to its high energy efficiency when external heat is available, (ii) "Power-to-X" by coupling SOEC with chemical reactors to produce various fuels/liquids such as ammonia, methanol, and formic acid, and (iii) "Power-to-Power" due to its ability to operate reversibly between SOEC (electrolysis) and SOFC (fuel cell) modes.

From an industrial perspective, the main aspects to consider are performance, durability, scalability/manufacturing capacity, and operational flexibility (temperature, feed gas composition, produced gas, etc.). In particular, durability is a critical aspect for most SOEC applications and must be given great attention, as it directly impacts the economic viability of many emerging commercial solutions incorporating SOEC technology. To address these aspects, this project named RROC aims to develop and optimize a breakthrough SOEC technology based on an industrial-scale cell that will integrate innovative architectures as well as alternative SOEC materials through scalable and competitive processes. These innovative architectures also aim for standardized industrial production based on the expertise of the RROC project partners while achieving performance and durability levels close to the current state-of-the-art and compatible with commercialization for the three main markets of interest mentioned earlier.

This innovative SOFC/SOEC architecture is based on three major original approaches:

• Optimization of cell design and material selection through thermomechanical modeling of systems under operational conditions, allowing for improved durability.
• Monolithic design corresponding to higher thermochemical properties, achieved through the co-casting process of tapes, allowing for improved durability and cost reduction.
• Simple shaping process (co-casting or over-casting of tapes) of the cells to limit the number of production steps and production costs, enabling low-cost production.