CaltechTHESIS
  A Caltech Library Service

An Exploration of Perovskite Materials for Thermochemical Water Splitting

Citation

Yang, Chih-Kai (2015) An Exploration of Perovskite Materials for Thermochemical Water Splitting. Dissertation (Ph.D.), California Institute of Technology. doi:10.7907/Z91834GB. https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:09082014-140216721

Abstract

Two-step thermochemical water splitting is a promising technology for the hydrogen production of solar energy. This process possesses the advantages of utilizing the full solar spectrum, producing flexible fuels, and requiring no precious metal catalysts. It furthermore temporally separates the oxygen release and hydrogen production steps, eliminating the possibility of O2 and H2 recombination. Ceria, which undergoes non-stoichiometric changes in oxygen content, has been demonstrated as an effective material for solar-driven thermochemical fuel production, but the process requires extremely high temperatures (~ 1600 degrees C), leading to efficiency penalties and challenges in reactor design and construction. Accordingly, the objective of this work is the development of new thermochemical reaction substrate materials which enable operation at lower temperatures and ideally increase fuel productivity and efficiency. Here we explore perovskite systems, specifically La1-xSrxMnO3-δ, La0.8Sr0.2Mn1-yFeyO3-δ, and La0.8Sr0.2Mn1-yAlyO3-δ. The link between the solid-state chemistry, redox properties, hydrogen production, and reaction kinetic limitations will be discussed. This study aims to learn how to design and tailor the good catalytic oxides for solar-driven thermochemical water splitting application.

Item Type:Thesis (Dissertation (Ph.D.))
Subject Keywords:Perovskite Materials, Thermochemical Water Splitting
Degree Grantor:California Institute of Technology
Division:Engineering and Applied Science
Major Option:Materials Science
Thesis Availability:Public (worldwide access)
Research Advisor(s):
  • Haile, Sossina M.
Thesis Committee:
  • Haile, Sossina M. (chair)
  • Goddard, William A., III
  • Greer, Julia R.
  • Wang, Zhen-Gang
Defense Date:15 August 2014
Non-Caltech Author Email:calkevinyang (AT) gmail.com
Record Number:CaltechTHESIS:09082014-140216721
Persistent URL:https://resolver.caltech.edu/CaltechTHESIS:09082014-140216721
DOI:10.7907/Z91834GB
Default Usage Policy:No commercial reproduction, distribution, display or performance rights in this work are provided.
ID Code:8655
Collection:CaltechTHESIS
Deposited By: Chih-Kai Yang
Deposited On:14 Nov 2016 23:10
Last Modified:04 Oct 2019 00:06

Thesis Files

[img]
Preview
PDF - Final Version
See Usage Policy.

10MB

Repository Staff Only: item control page