Advanced inorganic materials for solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells consist of a complex multicomponent structure that relies heavily on inorganic materials chemistry to develop new compositions of enhanced functionality. In all aspects of both oxide ion and proton conducting based devices the structural and electrochemistry of ceramics is essential to future developments. In the preceding discussion we have highlighted a number of novel solutions for the electrolyte, anode and cathode functional components of SOFCs that overcome some of the materials limitations facing fuel cell developers. Much of this has concerned the reduction in operating temperature coupled with the durability of the materials in a wide range of operating conditions, including anode resistance to sulphur and coking. Enhanced properties may be achieved through the use of thin films of functional components, such as with yttria stabilised zirconia on SrTiO3, but many questions as to the nature and origin of these enhancements remain. It is evident that there remains rich inorganic chemistry to be discovered and exploited in this vital technology area.