PhD defence: Solid Electrolytes for Electrochemical Hydrogen Transport

The transition from hydrocarbons towards hydrogen as an energy carrier requires electrolyte and electrode materials for fuel and electrolysis cell operation. Both mixed conductors (which can transport both hydrogen and electrons simultaneously) and electrolytes (selective hydrogen conductors) are necessary for this application.

This dissertation covers two types of materials: hydride-ion conductors (Rb2CaH4, Cs2CaH4, and K2MgH4) - which transport negatively charged hydrogen and electrons-, and a very effective proton conductor (caesium hydroxide hydrate) - which transports positively charged hydrogen.

In addition, the dissertation includes a chapter on original open-source software for the analysis of these materials’ electrical properties. The materials investigated in this dissertation could potentially find applications in fuel cells and electrolyzers, with especially caesium hydroxide hydrate being promising, due to its high conductivity at low temperatures.