Ceramics for hydrogen? Gdańsk Tech researchers have published the results of their research in Nature Communications | Gdańsk University of Technology

"We have focused on materials that enable efficient proton conducting, which is crucial for processes related to the production and use of hydrogen,” explained Sebastian Wachowski, PhD, DSc, Eng., from the Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics at Gdańsk Tech. "We investigated how water ‘penetrates’ the crystal structure of these materials, that is, how the process of the so-called hydration proceeds, and how it affects their transport properties. Analysis of 45 precisely engineered materials with varied chemical compositions has enabled us to formulate general principles governing this phenomenon.”

The results indicate which chemical elements enhance the material performance and can be utilised in further design.

"Our findings provide scientists around the world with specific guidance on how to develop more efficient, durable and sustainable materials for the clean energy technologies of the future,” emphasised Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń, PhD, DSc, Eng., Head of the Division of Ceramics at the Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics and Vice-Dean for Organisation.

The research described in the article entitled ‘Governing principles of hydration of mixed proton conducting Co-based double perovskites” is the result of six years of intensive work carried out as part of two international projects under the M-ERA.NET programme: FunKeyCat and GoPHyMiCO. Researchers from Poland, Norway and Spain took part in the project.

The co-authors of the article include four members of staff from the Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics at Gdańsk Tech: Prof. Maria Gazda, PhD, DSc, Eng.; Aleksandra Mielewczyk-Gryń, PhD, DSc, Eng., Professor at Gdańsk Tech; Sebastian Wachowski, PhD, DSc, Eng.; and Iga Szpunar, PhD, Eng.

This publication is the result of research into an extremely complex subject area, requiring a combination of advanced theoretical knowledge, precise experiments and extensive international collaboration. It represents a significant step forward in research conducted at the Gdańsk University of Technology, confirming the high academic standard of the work carried out at the university and the effectiveness of international research collaboration.