Date added: 2025-02-28
The 27th Seminar of Advanced Materials Center
We cordially invite you to the 27th seminar of the Advanced Materials Center, which will take place on March 7th, 2025 (Friday) at 1:15 p.m. in Room NE140 (building 42, new ETI).
Dr. Dino Boccaccini from the "Enzo Ferrari" Engineering Department, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia (Italy) will present a lecture entitled "Manufacturing of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anode Supports by Novel Ceramic Processes".
After the seminar, we traditionally invite you for pizza!
Short BIO
Dr. Dino Boccaccini is a researcher at the "Enzo Ferrari" Engineering Department of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy. His professional journey includes roles as a researcher at the Marazzi Group (2007-2011), Senior Scientist at the Technical University of Denmark's Energy Conversion Department (2012-2015), and Senior Researcher at Petroceramics within the Kilometro Rosso Technological Park in Bergamo, Italy (2015). In these positions, he specialized in the processing of traditional and advanced ceramics, solid mechanics of fuel cells, and the development of ceramic matrix composites.
From 2018, Dr. Boccaccini served as the Head of R&D at TecnoItalia Digital, focusing on industrial projects related to the production of machinery for traditional and advanced ceramics. His expertise encompasses the design of Drop-on-Demand (DOD) digital printers and the management of EU and international funded projects.
Dr. Boccaccini has authored over 70 peer-reviewed academic articles and book chapters in materials science and technology, with more than 15 publications specifically in the field of fuel cells. He holds several patents, including one for a printhead for composite material manufacturing, another for the digital deposition of ceramic slurries, one related to manufacturing lines for solid oxide cells, and another concerning a continuous line for PEM and AEM cell manufacturing. In 2023, he achieved the Italian National Scientific Habilitation (ASN) as an Associate Professor in Materials Science and Technology.
Abstract
Solid oxide cells (SOCs) are advanced ceramic devices used in energy conversion and storage, including solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). Their high efficiency, fuel flexibility, and low emissions make them promising candidates for next-generation power generation and hydrogen production.
This seminar will explore innovative ceramic processes for manufacturing solid oxide cells, with a focus on developing porous anode supports based on yttria-stabilized zirconia (3YSZ). A novel approach is presented, combining the digital deposition of dry powders, subsequent pressing of the anode support, and inkjet printing of the active anode layer to optimize the fabrication process. The research investigates different compositions and pore-forming strategies to tailor porosity and mechanical properties.
Advanced characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, mercury porosimetry, impulse excitation technique, ball-on-ring tests for the determination of Young’s modulus from load deflection analysis and biaxial flexural strength, are employed to assess material performance. Additionally, the seminar will present results on the adhesion strength characterization between cathodes, anodes, and interconnectors, providing insights into the mechanical integrity of the multilayer structure.
The results reveal a strong correlation between porosity and mechanical properties, with increased porosity leading to an exponential decrease in stiffness and strength. The insights gained from this study contribute to the design and optimization of porous ceramic materials, enhancing their applicability in solid oxide fuel and electrolysis cells.