North Haven, CT (May 12th, 2025) – Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI) announced today that it has been awarded a Department of Energy Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I contract under topic C59-09a titled “Comprehension and Mitigation of Metal Corrosion Modes in Reversible Solid Oxide Cells.” The effort focuses on improving durability in reversible solid oxide fuel cell (R-SOFC) systems operating at elevated temperatures, where surface oxidation and corrosion of metallic stack components in high stream and hydrogen conditions can lead to performance degradation. PCI will leverage its advanced fuel cell experience to experimentally confirm failure modes in metallic structures and components and to implement advances in powder metallurgy, processing, and manufacturing to mitigate corrosion mechanisms.
R-SOFC metallic components are subject to surface, interface, and bulk chemical and structural changes under anodic, cathodic, and bi-polar exposure, including localized scaling and formation of porous, non-protective multi-constituent oxide scales. Planned Phase I work includes validating corrosion models under representative R-SOFC conditions, exploring alloy and surface modification strategies, and evaluating samples in SOFC/SOEC operation to confirm chemical, mechanical, and electrical stability.
“Improving the corrosion resistance of metallic components is central to long-life R-SOFC operation,” said Toshio Suzuki, Principal Investigator of this project at PCI. “Our Phase I work focuses on understanding the degradation pathways and demonstrating practical mitigation approaches that support efficient power generation and hydrogen production.” PCI President Kevin Burns added, “This new technology offers value across a number of applications. We’re looking for interested customers who may want to share in the benefits.”
The project aims to advance a cost-effective R-SOFC system capable of high-efficiency operation in both SOFC and SOEC modes, improving durability and performance, greatly extending the potential of this promising piece of clean technology for both power and hydrogen generation.
About Precision Combustion, Inc.
Precision Combustion, Inc. is a clean energy and environmental technology company developing new reactors and systems for energy and environmental sector applications.
For more information, contact:
Anthony Anderson
Director, Marketing and Business Development
Phone: 203-287-3700 ext. 290
