Home-AMA Energy: 3DCeram Sinto develops ceramic 3D printed SOEC components for hydrogen systems
As theAMA:Energyconference returns on April 30th to highlight qualified parts, real-world deployment, and energy-sector constraints, hydrogen production and storage technologies are becoming an increasingly prominent focus. Previous discussions pointed to the challenges of scaling electrolysis systems, particularly in relation to material limitations, system complexity, and long-term reliability.
Within this context, ceramic additive manufacturing is being explored as a potential route to redesign solid oxide electrolysis systems, enabling new geometries and improved performance.
3DCeram Sintois developing even further ceramic 3D printing technology for solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), targeting improved hydrogen production and energy storage. The France-based company focuses on stereolithography (SLA)-based additive manufacturing, using a top-down process and low-viscosity ceramic slurries to enable scalable production of complex components.
Ceramic 3D printing addresses SOEC limitations
Conventional SOEC systems rely on flat ceramic membranes produced through tape casting or screen printing, which are highly sensitive to pressure variations. Pressure differences above approximately 40 millibars can induce mechanical failure, requiring complex pressurized vessels and limiting scalability.
Within theHYP3D project, partners are developing compact, high-pressure electrolysis systems using zirconia 8Y, a material selected for its ionic conductivity, chemical stability, and thermal resistance.
Corrugated zirconia cells improve performance and durability
Using additive manufacturing, the project introduces a corrugated cell design with thicknesses of 250–300 µm, increasing reactive surface area by approximately 60%. The geometry also improves electrochemical efficiency, requiring lower voltage to achieve comparable current density.
Simulation and testing indicate significantly improved mechanical performance compared to flat cells. The corrugated structures withstand pressure differentials of up to approximately 1,100 millibars, compared to failure thresholds near 40 millibars for conventional designs.
Source: 3D Printing Industry
