Exploring alternative routes for the rapid fabrication of metal oxide thin films in application to the SteelCell (Circle R)

Ceres is developing solid Oxide Fuel Cell technology. What makes Ceres unique is their SteelCell (Circle R) Technology, enabling a very efficient production of energy from fuel. Individual cells are stacked together which can generate power and heat, with 100 stacked cells enabling to provide enough electrical power and hot water for residential housing. Ceres has developed an impressive portfolio of IP underpinning the development and manufacturing of this technology. Today Ceres is looking at optimising further their production and properties of metal oxide thin films integrated to the SteelCell (Circle R).

The project aims to explore alternative manufacturing routes and materials enabling further optimisation of metal oxide thin films productions as part of the fabrication process for the SteelCell(Circle R) technology. It will start with a full characterisation of the layer(s) of interest to develop a better understanding of their key properties and develop an R&D strategy feeding into alternative materials and methods. Following this, the work will focus on:
1) the development of metal oxide nanoparticles (less than 10 nm), their wet assembly and processing into compact films;
2) the optimization of thickness and porosity properties of the layer(s); and
3) the application of alternative processing methods (deposition and heating/curing) enabling faster production.