Utrecht University
Hydrogen
research.
From electrochemistry
to energy systems.
Electrochemical experiments · Multiscale modelling · Energy-system analysis
Solid-oxide cell architecture · conceptual illustration. Layer spacing and dimensions are exaggerated for visibility.
RESEARCH ACROSS SCALES
Cells. Infrastructure.
Energy systems.
01 · ELECTROCHEMISTRY & MATERIALS
Performance, dynamics and degradation.
Solid-oxide cells, protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) and anion-exchange membrane (AEM) electrolysis. Research relates electrical loading, thermal conditions and reactant supply to performance, transient response and durability.
03 · SYSTEMS & TRANSITION
Energy-system integration. Economics and governance.
Assessing dispatch and sizing against lifetime, energy use, cost and emissions, alongside markets, governance and societal impacts.
Research illustrations are AI-assisted conceptual schematics, not measured data or installed UU facilities. Layer thicknesses, porosity and geological scales are exaggerated for visibility.
THE HYDROGEN LAB
Solid-oxide research.
Under controlled conditions.
Our HORIBA FuelCon Evaluator C1000-HT supports research on solid-oxide stack performance, dynamic operation and durability.
C1000-HT · DELIVERED CONFIGURATION
−6.0 to +3.6 kW
Continuous electrical power range
−400 to +360 A
Current control range
1.1–2.0 bar(a)
Pressure control
900 °C
Maximum continuous furnace temperature
Equipment ratings, not measured stack results. Electrical specifications apply at the cable/sense terminals without the test item, at 20 °C ambient. Pressure control assumes open fuel and air supply lines. Maximum ratings are not necessarily available simultaneously. Signed electrical ranges follow the delivered configuration documentation.
EXPERIMENTS & MODELS
Linking response
to mechanism.
Dynamic operation
Electrical loading, gas delivery and thermal response determine different parts of a solid-oxide transient. Models examine these coupled processes and measurement-system delays. Current SOEC/co-electrolysis development uses literature data; predictive validity for the Utrecht laboratory remains to be established.
Durability and diagnostics
Compare performance at consistent reference conditions and interpret trends against operating history and gas analysis. A voltage trend alone does not establish a degradation mechanism. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) integration and predictive degradation models are in development.
FROM CELLS TO STACKS
Solid-oxide stacks.
A stack connects multiple ceramic electrochemical cells through interconnects. Seals and gas-distribution channels keep the reactant streams separate, while heat and mass transport influence how the cells operate together.
In electrolysis mode, steam is converted to hydrogen and oxygen. In fuel-cell mode, hydrogen and oxygen produce electricity, heat and steam. Our research examines how electrical load, temperature and gas supply influence stack response and durability.
SOLID-OXIDE ELECTROCHEMISTRY
Reversible solid-oxide
conversion.
Solid-oxide electrolysis-cell (SOEC) and fuel-cell (SOFC) operating modes. Research examines how load cycling, mode transitions and thermal management affect performance and lifetime.
H₂O(g) ⇌ H₂(g) + ½O₂(g)
Simplified net reaction · steam, hydrogen and oxygen
SOEC · Electrolysis
Electrical energy drives steam conversion to hydrogen and oxygen. Net cell heat demand depends on operating conditions.
SOFC · Fuel-cell operation
Hydrogen reacts with oxygen to generate electricity, heat and steam. Reversible-system studies examine transitions and cycling.
System energy balances include steam preparation, heat losses and auxiliary equipment. Scientific basis: DOE electrolysis overview ›
Research programmes.
HyPRO › SOEC stack optimisation.
HyUSE › Reversible solid-oxide systems and PCFC modelling.
HyTROS › Transport and storage. IDEA-H₂ › Leakage and environmental impacts.
Circular Green Hydrogen Production › Materials, manufacturing and recycling.
HySUCCESS › Economics and policy. Rethink Hydrogen › Societal dimensions.
Research collaboration
and laboratory enquiries.
Maya Toghani
Hydrogen Lab Manager