Because of their potential to reduce the environmental impact and geopolitical consequences of the use of fossil fuels, fuel cells have emerged as sustainable power generation systems. Like a combustion engine, a fuel cell uses a chemical fuel as its energy source; but like a battery, the chemical energy is directly converted into electrical energy. In addition to high efficiency and low emissions, fuel cells are attractive for their modular and distributed nature, and zero noise pollution. SOFC single cells and stack systems are multilayer structures consisting of ceramic and metallic materials with different well defined electrical transport properties. All components have to show well-adjusted thermal expansion behaviour, chemical compatibility of material interfaces and chemical stability in the prevailing temperature and gas atmosphere. Performance and long-term stability improvements at affordable costs can be obtained by lowering the operating temperature. This goal requires drastic reduction of electrodes polarisation resistance as well as highly-conducting electrolyte materials. The use of new and nanostructured material and the application of appropriate technologies for the production of optimized microstructure becomes essential for highly efficient SOFCs operating in the medium and low temperature range. A review of state-of-art materials is given together with a perspective presentation of innovative materials and technologies for new types of SOFC.
Overview of current trends in SOFC materials
PICCARDO, PAOLO;BARBUCCI, ANTONIO;
2007-01-01
Abstract
Because of their potential to reduce the environmental impact and geopolitical consequences of the use of fossil fuels, fuel cells have emerged as sustainable power generation systems. Like a combustion engine, a fuel cell uses a chemical fuel as its energy source; but like a battery, the chemical energy is directly converted into electrical energy. In addition to high efficiency and low emissions, fuel cells are attractive for their modular and distributed nature, and zero noise pollution. SOFC single cells and stack systems are multilayer structures consisting of ceramic and metallic materials with different well defined electrical transport properties. All components have to show well-adjusted thermal expansion behaviour, chemical compatibility of material interfaces and chemical stability in the prevailing temperature and gas atmosphere. Performance and long-term stability improvements at affordable costs can be obtained by lowering the operating temperature. This goal requires drastic reduction of electrodes polarisation resistance as well as highly-conducting electrolyte materials. The use of new and nanostructured material and the application of appropriate technologies for the production of optimized microstructure becomes essential for highly efficient SOFCs operating in the medium and low temperature range. A review of state-of-art materials is given together with a perspective presentation of innovative materials and technologies for new types of SOFC.
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