Author ORCID Identifier

https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8978-7757

Semester

Summer

Date of Graduation

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Type

PhD

College

Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Department

Chemical and Biomedical Engineering

Committee Chair

Wenyuan Li

Committee Member

Xingbo Liu

Committee Member

John Hu

Committee Member

Oishi Sanyal

Committee Member

Madelyn Ball

Abstract

The advancement of proton-conducting ceramic cells (PCCs) is crucial for efficient energy conversion in hydrogen- and/or ammonia-based energy carrier systems. However, a bigger success requires significant progress in cell fabrication, interfacial stability, fast electrode kinetics, and high Faradaic efficiency. This study investigates the rational design, fabrication, and performance breakthroughs of PCCs, with a focus on electrode architecture engineering, material interfacial coupling, and mechanistic understanding of electrochemical processes.

The metal-supported fuel electrode structure of PCFCs was systematically optimized, revealing the significant influence of Ni diffusion on cell performance and durability. High power density and stable ammonia-fueled operation were achieved. A heterointerface-rich dual-phase steam electrode based on Ruddlesden-Popper phase and perovskite was developed through ultrasonic atomization pyrolysis. The nanoscale integration of complementary phases enhanced oxygen surface exchange and charge transport. In addition, an indirect approach for evaluating Faradaic efficiency in protonic ceramic electrolysis cells was proposed and evaluated. Finally, steam electrode microstructures were optimized through particle-size control and core-shell architecture design, where the core-shell structure enhanced proton transport, thereby accelerating electrode kinetics. Overall, this work provides new insights into the development of high-performance protonic ceramic electrochemical systems for sustainable energy conversion.

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