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Tuning the chemistry and configuration of oxide nanostructures for energy and environmental applications


EMSL Project ID
25688

Abstract

Materials development based on a fundamental understanding of their behavior has gained a new impetus with the advent of nanotechnology. Oxide nanostructures are among the most widely studied materials for their use in multifaceted applications such as catalysis, alternative energy sources like solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), sensors and lately in the bio-medical applications. The potential use of ceria, zirconia and titania systems has been proven in the fields of SOFC and catalysis applications. However, because some effects of synthesis route, impurities, particle stability and environmental effects are often ignored a clear understanding of their fundamental behavior at the nanoscale under different morphologies, configuration and environments are elusive. It is essential to study the chemistry of these materials, the role of dopants, functionalization, etc. in exploiting them most efficiently in various applications. In particular, the objectives of the proposed work are the following:

• Develop the fundamental understanding of oxygen ionic conductivity as a function of chemistry and configuration of high quality trivalent doped single crystal ceria and zirconia thin film single and multi layered electrolytes
• Probe and tune the size, shape and structural variations in pure and doped ceria, titania systems generated using solution based methods

Project Details

Project type
Large-Scale EMSL Research
Start Date
2007-06-06
End Date
2010-09-30
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Sudipta Seal
Institution
University of Central Florida

Team Members

Abhilash Vincent
Institution
University of Central Florida

Dorinda Belcher
Institution
North Pines Middle School

Amit Kumar
Institution
University of Central Florida

Ajay Karakoti
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory