HTEL-Module – Ready for Gigawatt: Materials and Corrosion in Large-scale High Temperature Electrolysers (HTEL)

Synthesis gas (CO and H₂) is used to produce various base chemicals. It is typically generated by steam reforming of natural gas. However, in the frame of raw material changes in the chemical industry, production of synthesis gas based on renewable sources is of high interest. A technology with high potential for large-scale use is the high temperature Co-electrolysis. In this process, a solid oxide electrolyser cell (SOEC) is used to simultaneously reduce H₂O and CO₂ to CO and H₂ at 850 °C. The upscaling of this process is promoted in the hydrogen flagship project H2Giga, while this subproject is dedicated to the long-term degradation mechanisms of the materials used in the peripheral parts of the plant. Changes in the materials microstructure by ageing and high temperature corrosion by various gases are studied. Of high interest are the carburization or oxidation at 900 °C in oxygen or water vapor. Aim of the subproject is an economic material solution for a long lifetime of the plant.

Grant no. 03HY125B