CLUEDO: Development of innovative and reversible solid oxide fuel cell technologies

Context 

The France-Wallonia-Flanders cross-border region benefits from a strategic location that provides privileged access to various sources of hydrogen, creating opportunities to address current challenges related to high energy costs and dependence on fossil fuels. Hydrogen is increasingly recognized as a key alternative to power autonomous and environmentally friendly electricity production systems. However, one of the major challenges in adopting this technology is the development of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) capable of efficient, reliable, and cost-effective operation, and this is where the CLUED-O project comes in. 

Research objectives 

CLUED-O aims to develop solid oxide fuel cells capable of operating at T<650°C (Gen.3), not only in fuel cell mode but also in electrolysis mode. The project focuses on creating devices with enhanced durability for improved performance through the hybridization of advanced deposition processes. This approach will optimize interfaces and the stacking of layers.  

The role of the Sustainable Materials Science research group (UGent) is to study the degradation behaviour of the materials, concerning both hydrogen embrittlement and corrosion. The challenge in this project lies in assessing this behaviour at operational conditions, i.e. in a controlled atmosphere at temperatures up to 700 °C and pressures close to ambient pressure. 

Project logo and funding logo  

This project is supported by the European territorial cooperation program Interreg France-Wallonie-Vlaanderen.