Advanced (electro) ceramics and innovative energy technologies

The principal drivers of the new direction of research in energy technologies can be exemplified in three major targets: security of supply, environmental pollution issues (with particular reference to the Kyoto protocol), and adherence to the new European legislation related to the deregulation of the energy market. All these drivers contribute to the introduction of new technologies that better fit the requirements of the new scenario in which all the actors in the energy field are working. In this view, the contribution of Advanced Ceramics to such a big effort, with the identification of some development routes needed in terms of new materials and technologies, is analysed. In particular, the possible future trends in Solid Oxide and High Temperature PEM fuel cells, as well as oxygen and hydrogen pumping for hydrogen production connected with R&D in Advanced Ceramics, are discussed.