GTU Academic Supported under TÜBİTAK 1005

April 17, 2024-GTU Office of Press and Public Relations

The project titled "Production of Thin Membrane Solid Oxide Fuel Cells via One-Step Cold Sintering Process," led by Research Assistant Tuğçe Ucun from the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Gebze Technical University (GTU), has been supported within the scope of TÜBİTAK 1005 "National New Ideas and New Products Research Funding Program."

The project, covering an innovative process, includes Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Yılmaz and Asst. Prof. Dr. Betül Kafkaslıoğlu Yıldız as researchers.

We congratulate our academic and the project team.

About the Project:

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are an important technology with advantages such as higher energy efficiency, fuel flexibility, and low environmental impact compared to traditional energy generation systems. However, the production of SOFCs is often costly and complex. Therefore, a research project conducted at Gebze Technical University (GTU) aims a more economical and simpler production process for these cells.

The project aims to produce the anode, electrolyte, and cathode layers of SOFCs simultaneously and in a single step. This could provide a production process that is more cost-effective and energy-efficient compared to traditional methods. Specifically, using the cold sintering process, the layers will be assembled at low temperatures, eliminating the need for separate sintering steps.

Additionally, the project aims to produce the electrolyte and cathode layers at specific thicknesses, which is a crucial factor determining the performance of SOFCs. Through the planned work, the electrolyte and cathode layers are targeted to be produced at approximately 10-20 µm thickness.

Upon successful completion of this project, it is expected that SOFCs will become easier, more economical, and energy-efficient to produce. This could lead to wider adoption and use of SOFC technology.