Protonic ceramic cells
(PCFC · PCEC)

1. Overview

프로톤 전도성 세라믹 연료전지(PCFC)와 수전해셀(PCEC)은 기존 산화물 이온 기반 SOFC·SOEC의 한계를 넘는 차세대 고체산화물 전기화학 기술입니다. 프로톤 전도성 세라믹 전해질을 채용하여 600 °C 이하의 온도에서 작동하며, 고효율·저열화·외부 가습 불필요 등의 장점을 갖습니다. PCEC는 중간 온도에서의 프로톤 수송을 통해 건조한 수소를 직접 생산할 수 있어 SOEC 대비 차별화된 장점이 있습니다. SOFC·SOEC와 셀 구조는 유사하나, 이동 이온의 차이(산화물 이온 vs. 프로톤)로 인해 소재 화학, 전극 반응 경로, 반응결정 단계가 근본적으로 달라집니다. SSEMS 연구팀에서는 PCFC·PCEC의 전해질·공기극 소재 개발과 연료 다변화 기술, 대면적셀 공정기술, PCFC·PCEC용 스택/시스템 기술을 개발하고 있습니다.

Proton-Conducting Fuel Cell (PCFC)

PCFC employs proton-conducting ceramic electrolytes and operates at intermediate temperatures below 600 °C. It combines the advantages of high efficiency, reduced degradation, and the ability to use dry fuels without external humidification. PCFC is an emerging technology with strong potential, while material stability, electrode kinetics, and long-term performance are active research topics.

Proton-Conducting Electrolysis Cell (PCEC)

PCEC is the electrolysis counterpart of PCFC, producing hydrogen through proton transport at intermediate temperatures. It enables highly efficient hydrogen production with lower thermal requirements compared to SOEC and can directly generate dry hydrogen. Key challenges include large-area cell fabrication, stack development, and long-term durability under realistic operating conditions.

SOFC/SOEC and PCFC/PCEC share very similar cell architectures and operating principles. However, the dominant mobile ion in the electrolyte is different (oxide ions vs. protons), which leads to substantial differences in materials chemistry—such as chemical stability and reactivity—as well as in electrode electrochemical reaction pathways and rate-limiting processes. As a result, many additional factors must be considered, including materials selection, electrode design, and optimization of operating conditions. Building on our experience with SOFC/SOEC, our SSEMS group is now focusing on next-generation solid oxide electrochemical technologies, PCFC and PCEC.

2. Research Activities I: PCCs electrolyte materials and air-electrode materials. 

3. Research Activities II: Fabrication of PCCs Single Cells

4. Research Activities III: Operation with various fuels and fuel synthesis.