Abstract
Protonic ceramic cells (PCCs) are a promising technology for power generation, energy storage, and value-added chemical synthesis at intermediate temperatures (300–600 °C). While recent advances in materials development have significantly improved device performance, mechanistic understanding of the underlying proton-related processes remains very limited. Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (DRIFTS), a rapid and cost-effective technique for probing vibrational fingerprints, has proven to be a powerful surface-sensitive tool for examining structural and functional characteristics. In this work, we explore a high-temperature operando DRIFTS approach developed at Idaho National Laboratory (INL) to investigate hydration behavior and proton-exchange kinetics in protonic electrolytes. Preliminary kinetic analysis highlights the capability of DRIFTS to gain direct insight into hydration and proton-related processes under realistic conditions. These insights advance our understanding of proton exchange phenomena and provide guidance for the rational design of next-generation PCC materials.