Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with a Thin Film Electrolyte: A Review on Manufacturing Technologies and Electrochemical Characteristicses

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are electrochemical systems converting the energy released during fuel oxidation into electrical energy. SOFCs are considered as a promising clean energy technology due to the high efficiency of fuel-to-power conversion and environmental friendliness. The potential applications of SOFCs extend from stationary power generation units for industrial and household facilities to auxiliary power units in vehicles and portable power sources. One of the main elements of SOFCs is a solid oxide electrolyte possessing ionic conductivity at high temperatures (above 700 °C). The main challenge in the SOFC commercialization is related to their high operating temperature, which entails materials degradation, short life-time, long start-up and shut-down times, and high cost. One of the most effective ways to reduce the SOFC operating temperature is to minimize the electrolyte thickness. In this regard, fabrication of SOFCs with a thin film electrolyte has been attracting high research activity over the past few decades. Different fabrication techniques were reported to be applicable for manufacturing thin film SOFCs, and the fuel cell performance was found to be highly dependent on the appropriate selection of materials and processing technologies. The present review is focused on state-of-the-art fabrication technologies of the thin film SOFCs. A brief survey of configurations and geometries of the thin film SOFCs and methods of deposition of solid-oxide films is given. Special attention is focused on the electrical generation performance of the thin film SOFCs.

Segregation and interdiffusion processes in perovskites: a review of recent advances

“…32,33 Systems based on cerium oxide, lanthanum gallate and proton conducting oxides are being considered as electrolyte materials. 34,35 Lanthanide cobaltites, ferrites or nickelites as cathode materials and nickel-cermet materials as anode materials (cermet based on CeO 2 , LaScO 3 , BaZrO 3 and others) are considered as promising electrode materials. 33,[36][37][38][39][40] SOFC operation at high and medium-high temperatures is associated with processes leading to metal corrosion and oxidation; diffusion of ions from the electrode material into the electrolyte, leading to deterioration of conductivity and stability; segregation of cations on the surface of structural elements, forming new phases; degradation of the electrochemical cell; or poisoning of SOFC anodes (Cl 2 , H 2 S, CH 3 SH, COS) [41][42][43] and cathodes (SO 2 , PO 3 , CrO 3 ).…”

Technological Challenges and Advancement in Proton Conductors: A Review

“…In view of advantages, the high operating temperature provides sufficient thermal energy for improved electrochemical kinetics in the absence of an external platinum or gold catalyst. On the contrary, the high operating temperature serves as a primary cause for electrolyte degradation and longer start-up time, − while a curtail in operating temperature perturbs the composition’s microstructure with predominant grain and grain boundary effects at low and intermediate temperatures . Limiting operational temperature of SOFC to intermediate regimes (400–700 °C) introduces large ionic transport resistance and decreases conductivity.…”

An Anode-Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) Half-Cell Fabricated by Hybrid 3D Inkjet Printing and Laser Treatment

“…The thickness of the electrolyte layers having a continuous structure was estimated using the SEM method (Table 4). Table 4 shows that the as-prepared printing compositions allow the fabrication of a dense electrolyte with a thickness that meets the requirements for a second generation of SOFC anode supports [46]. In Figure 8, the SEM cross-section images of the NiO-10YSZ/10YSZ half-cells with the electrolyte fabricated from the 35% 10YSZ paste with the different number of electrolyte layers are shown.…”