Glass–Ceramic Sealants for Solid Oxide Cells Research at Politecnico di Torino: An Overview on Design, Sinter-Crystallization, Integration and Interfacial Issues

Solid oxide cells (SOCs) devices are of great interest for effective power generation and for highly efficient conversion of electricity to hydrogen, fuels and chemicals using high temperature electrolysis. Electrochemical energy conversion in SOCs can be achieved only by a reliable integration and joining technology. In this context, glass-based materials, with multiple functional compositions and properties play a key role in the performance and durability. In most SOC stack designs the metallic interconnect must be sealed both to the interconnect frame and to other cell ceramics components, thus presenting significant challenges. An overview and update about the research activity done at Politecnico di Torino (Italy) on design, sinter-crystallization, characterization and testing of glasses and glass–ceramics sealants is presented and discussed.