The Institute of High-Temperature Electrochemistry (IHTE) is developing scientifc principles for creation of the following electrochemical devices:

• Fuel cells (SOFC)

Solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC) can serve as independent current sources supplying power to cathodic protection stations at oil and gas pipelines, in the armaments and space industries, power supply to dwelling houses, farms, special facilities, etc. Various types of natural and man-caused hydrocarbons can be used as fuels.

• Solid-oxide electrolyzers (SOE) for generation of hydrogen and oxygen

The electrolyzers ensure independent production of high-purity medical oxygen from air or waste products (carbon dioxide and water vapor), providing a basis for development of closed-circuit life support systems. SOE allow high-purity hydrogen to be obtained by electrolytic dissolution of water vapor.

• Electrochemical reformers for hydrogen production

The electrochemical reformer is designed for obtaining pure hydrogen via electrochemical conversion of fire gases with water vapor. Gaseous mixtures containing high concentrations of Н2 and СО are used as an energy source. These mixtures are obtained by conversion or gasifcation of natural or man-made fuels.

• Oxygen pumps for obtaining oxygen and oxygen-containing mixtures and for deoxygenation of gases

• Gas sensors

Gas sensors based on solid oxide electrolytes are intended for analysis of gases in laboratories and processes and can also be used for environmental monitoring.

These devices can be used to measure the concentrations of hydrogen in gas mixtures; oxygen in mixtures with other gases or in melts; CO in air; flammable gases in air (e.g., methane in the air of coal mines); nitrogen and carbon oxides, and hydrocarbons in combustion products and air.

Based on the solid-electrolyte sensor, a fuel burning optimizer has been developed, which allows up to 15% of fuel to be saved at small boiler houses and combined heat power plants.

At the Institute of High-Temperature Electrochemistry, the developments are under way to create gas analyzer systems for detection of explosive and harmful substances in air.