Metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells

Energy is the single most valuable resource for human activity and the basis for all human progress. It is now clear that conventional technologies based on fossil fuel cannot satisfy the increasing energy demand and bring severe environmental problems. Fuel cells are the most efficient technology to convert chemical energy directly to electricity, leading to reduced fuel consumption and pollution emission. Among all the fuel cell community, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) exhibit several advantages: fuel flexibility, all-solid-state structure, built-in carbon-containing fuel reformation, etc. SOFCs offer the possibility of exploiting a wide range of applications, i.e., stationary but also portable electronic energy supply devices. The primary challenge of SOFCs for large-scale application has been high operating temperature and its impact on cost, reliability and (for transportation applications) start-up time. In the attempt of reducing SOFCs operation temperatures, the main issues that must be faced are related to the increasing electrolyte resistivity and electrode polarization. Indeed, both the ion transport in ceramic electrolytes and the electrochemical reactions occurring at the anode and cathode are thermally activated processes. The electrolyte resistance can be lowered either by decreasing its thickness to decrease ohmic losses or by using alternative electrolyte materials with better ionic conductivity in the lower temperature range. And fine microstructure helps further decreasing electrode polarization. The aim of this project is to design and synthesize next generation metal-supported SOFCs based on BZY electrolyte by applying advanced PVD coating techniques.

Project leader & first supervisor

Prof. Dr. Yutao Pei

PhD student

Z. Shi

Second supervisor

Prof. Dr. Jeff Th. M. De Hosson