Project summary
Background
Protonic Ceramic Electrolysis Cells (PCECs) are an emerging technology for efficient fuels and chemicals production at intermediate temperatures. The electrolyte is a key component that governs proton conductivity and cell performance. This project aims to synthesise proton-conducting perovskite electrolyte materials and investigate how processing conditions influence their microstructure and physical properties.
Project Objectives
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Synthesise a proton-conducting perovskite electrolyte (e.g.
BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δBaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3−𝛿 (BZCYYb)).
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Optimise one processing parameter (e.g. calcination or sintering temperature).
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Understand how processing influences phase formation and microstructure.
Project Tasks
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Review the literature on proton-conducting ceramic electrolytes.
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Prepare perovskite powders using a wet-chemical or solid-state synthesis method.
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Fabricate ceramic pellets by pressing and sintering.
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Evaluate the density and physical appearance of the sintered ceramics.
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Assist in analysing XRD and SEM results collected by the research team.
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Interpret the results and compare them with published literature.
Expected Learning Outcomes
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Ceramic materials synthesis
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High-temperature processing
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Experimental planning and laboratory safety
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Scientific data interpretation
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Technical report writing
Research Environment and Supervision
This project will be conducted in the PartCat Laboratory at the UNSW School of Chemical Engineering. The laboratory conducts research in heterogeneous catalysis, hydrogen production, electrochemical energy conversion, carbon capture and operando characterisation, providing an excellent environment for undergraduate research.
The project will be jointly supervised by Professor Rose Amal and Dr Bingqiao Xie. Students will work closely with members of the PartCat research group and gain exposure to modern materials research and advanced characterisation techniques. Characterisation such as XRD and SEM will be performed with assistance from the research team, while students will focus primarily on materials synthesis, sample preparation, and data interpretation.
References