Activities are focused on functional materials (metals or ceramics with protonic-anion and mixed conductivity) for fuel cells (SOFC), electrolysis cells (SOEC) and stacks. In addition to the formulation of new materials, a detailed study of the effects of composition, microstructure and degradation phenomena on performance is carried out on state-of-art materials.
The research aims at improving performance of devices by addressing degradation phenomena also through innovative cell designs.

Finally, the research on new materials extends to inorganic composites and organic-inorganic hybrids, aiming at reducing the operative temperature of SOFC, especially by using protonic conductors.
About SOFC stacks degradation phenomena studies, particular importance is given to the oxidation of ferritic stainless steels under realistic operating conditions.
The research activity is also carried out in close collaboration with a research group of the University of Genoa through the MErgELab laboratory. The collaboration also extends to DICCISM from University of Pisa.

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