elcoCell® ASC-300C and ASC-400B Solid Oxide Cells
Planar fuel-electrode-supported cells for SOFC, SOEC, co-electrolysis and reversible systems
elcoCell® ASC-300C and ASC-400B Solid Oxide Cells
Elcogen elcoCell® ASC-300C and ASC-400B are planar, fuel-electrode-supported solid oxide cells designed for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC), co-electrolysis and reversible solid oxide cell research. Available in two standard thickness families, these cells are suitable for universities, research organisations, stack developers and system integrators requiring configurable ceramic cells for power generation, hydrogen production and Power-to-X development.
Product Overview
The elcoCell® platform combines a nickel oxide and yttria-stabilised zirconia fuel-electrode structure with a thin YSZ electrolyte, a gadolinium-doped ceria barrier layer and a lanthanum strontium cobaltite oxygen electrode.
The cells are mechanically supported by the porous fuel-electrode substrate. This configuration permits a comparatively thin electrolyte, helping reduce ionic resistance while maintaining the structural support required for handling and integration into a suitable test housing or stack.
Two standard product families are available:
- ASC-300C: 300 µm nominal half-cell thickness
- ASC-400B: 400 µm nominal half-cell thickness
Both families are available as complete cells or half-cells. Different cell dimensions and geometries can also be supplied for compatible stack designs and research requirements.
How the Cells Work
In SOFC mode, oxygen supplied to the oxygen electrode is electrochemically reduced and transported through the ceramic electrolyte as oxide ions. At the fuel electrode, these ions react with hydrogen or a suitably conditioned fuel, producing water, heat and electrons. The electrons travel through the external circuit to generate electrical power.
In SOEC mode, the reaction direction is reversed. Electrical energy and high-temperature steam are supplied to produce hydrogen and oxygen. The cells may also support co-electrolysis of steam and carbon dioxide for syngas production and can be integrated into systems designed for reversible operation.
Key Features
- Planar fuel-electrode-supported ceramic cell construction
- Suitable for SOFC, SOEC, co-SOEC and reversible SOC operation
- Two standard thickness families for different mechanical and stack-design requirements
- Thin YSZ electrolyte available in 3 or 6 µm configurations
- Standard 12 × 12 cm cell with an 11 × 11 cm active area
- Alternative sizes and geometries available for compatible applications
- Complete cells and half-cells available
- Optional oxygen-electrode contact layer
- Designed for integration into third-party test fixtures, stacks and energy systems
- Suggested operating-temperature range of 600–750 °C
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | ASC-300C | ASC-400B |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel contact layer | NiO | NiO |
| Fuel-electrode support composition | NiO/YSZ | NiO/YSZ |
| Fuel-electrode functional composition | NiO/YSZ | NiO/YSZ |
| Electrolyte composition | YSZ | YSZ |
| Electrolyte thickness | 3 or 6 µm | 3 or 6 µm |
| Half-cell thickness | 300 µm | 400 µm |
| Half-cell thickness tolerance | ±30 µm | ±40 µm |
| Barrier-layer composition | GDC | GDC |
| Oxygen-electrode composition | LSC | LSC |
| Oxygen-electrode thickness | 15 µm | 15 µm |
| Total cell thickness | 315 µm | 415 µm |
| Total thickness tolerance | ±35 µm | ±45 µm |
| Suggested operating temperature | 600–750 °C | 600–750 °C |
| Standard cell size | 12 × 12 cm | 12 × 12 cm |
| Standard active area | 11 × 11 cm | 11 × 11 cm |
| Alternative sizes and shapes | Available | Available |
| Half-cell configuration | Available | Available |
| Oxygen-electrode contact layer | Available | Available |
NiO is nickel oxide, YSZ is yttria-stabilised zirconia, GDC is gadolinium-doped ceria, and LSC is lanthanum strontium cobaltite.
Typical Applications
- Fundamental SOFC and SOEC electrochemical research
- Cell-performance and degradation testing
- Current–voltage and power-density measurements
- Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy
- High-temperature steam-electrolysis studies
- Hydrogen-production research
- Steam and carbon dioxide co-electrolysis
- Reversible solid oxide energy-storage research
- Electrode, contact-layer and interconnect development
- Custom solid oxide stack design and validation
Compatibility and Selection Guidance
The ASC-300C and ASC-400B cells are core electrochemical components and are not complete plug-and-play fuel cell or electrolyser systems. Operation requires a compatible high-temperature test housing or stack assembly together with appropriate gas handling, steam delivery, heating, electrical instrumentation, current collection, sealing, compression and safety controls.
The ASC-300C may be preferred where a thinner fuel-supported structure is compatible with the required housing or stack design. The ASC-400B provides a thicker supporting structure and may suit designs requiring different mechanical characteristics. Final selection should consider cell geometry, mechanical loading, sealing arrangement, current-collector design, thermal expansion, gas-flow configuration and the intended operating mode.
An optional oxygen-electrode contact layer can be requested where improved electrical contact with the current collector is required. Cell dimensions, shapes, electrolyte thickness and half-cell requirements should be confirmed before ordering.
Why Source Through ScienceGears?
ScienceGears assists customers across Australia and New Zealand with product selection, configuration review and quotation coordination for Elcogen solid oxide cells. Support can also include discussion of suitable cell test fixtures, furnaces, gas and steam delivery, potentiostats, DC power supplies, electronic loads and complete SOFC or SOEC test-system requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ASC-300C and ASC-400B?
The main published difference is the fuel-supported half-cell thickness. ASC-300C has a nominal half-cell thickness of 300 µm, while ASC-400B has a nominal thickness of 400 µm. Their total nominal thicknesses are 315 µm and 415 µm, respectively.
Can the cells be operated in both fuel-cell and electrolysis modes?
Yes. The cells are suitable for SOFC power generation and SOEC hydrogen production. They may also be used in properly engineered co-electrolysis and reversible solid oxide systems.
Are custom cell sizes available?
Yes. The standard cell size is 12 × 12 cm with an 11 × 11 cm active area, while alternative dimensions and shapes can be developed or supplied according to the application and manufacturing requirements.
Can I purchase a half-cell without the oxygen electrode?
Yes. Half-cell configurations are available for research, electrode development and specialised integration requirements.
Does the product include a test housing or furnace?
No. The cell requires a compatible test housing or stack fixture, furnace, gas and steam controls, electrical instrumentation and associated safety equipment.
What electrical equipment is needed for testing?
The required equipment depends on the active area and test method. Cell research may use a suitable potentiostat, current booster, DC source or electronic load capable of handling the required current, voltage and impedance-measurement range.
What information should I provide when requesting a quotation?
Provide the preferred cell family, complete-cell or half-cell requirement, cell size and geometry, electrolyte thickness, oxygen-electrode contact-layer requirement, quantity, operating mode and intended test or stack configuration.
Contact ScienceGears to discuss your SOFC, SOEC, co-electrolysis or reversible solid oxide cell requirements and request a suitable Elcogen configuration and quotation.
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