Innovative Dual Membrane Architecture for Reversible Fuel Cells

Steam electrolysis by means of reversible Fuel Cells is a promising concept for compensating the intermittency of renewable energy sources. Several tests on SOFC stacks operated in reverse mode (SOEC) reported faster degradation than in power production mode. Although not completely clarified, the degradation mechanisms appear partly related to the higher steam concentration at the electrode compartments. This work introduces a novel type of cell with dual anionic-protonic conductivity, which allows the separation of the steam compartment from the electrodes compartments. The concept is presented together with a set of experimental results pointing out the potential advantages of this approach.