Abstract
Protonic ceramic cells (PCCs) have emerged as a promising technology for power generation, energy storage, and value-added chemical synthesis at intermediate temperatures (300–600 °C). In recent years, significant advances in materials development and fabrication techniques have substantially improved the performance of PCCs. However, a mechanistic understanding of the electrocatalytic processes has received relatively limited attention. Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS), a rapid and cost-effective technique for physicochemical fingerprinting, has proven to be a powerful surface-sensitive analytical tool for probing structural and functional characteristics. In this presentation, we will highlight recent progress at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) in utilizing DRIFTS to investigate the key components of PCCs. Specifically, we focus on elucidating catalytic reaction mechanisms and identifying surface intermediate species under relevant conditions, providing critical insights into the interfacial processes that govern device performance. These mechanistic insights from DRIFTS are essential for guiding rational materials design and optimization, ultimately contributing to the development of high-performance and durable PCCs for next-generation energy applications.