Opportunities and Challenges in Materials Development for Thin Film Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

✍ Scribed by S. J. Litzelman; J. L. Hertz; W. Jung; H. L. Tuller

• Publisher: John Wiley and Sons
• Year: 2008
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 348 KB
• Volume: 8
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 1615-6846
• DOI: 10.1002/fuce.200800034

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are currently the focus of intense investigation given their high chemical‐to‐electrical energy conversion efficiency and low carbon footprint. In this review, the development of thin film SOFCs, sometimes described as ‘micro‐SOFCs', is highlighted and analysed. Opportunities for reduced temperature operation and portable power generation arise from the decreased thickness of the solid electrolyte, as well at the metastable phases and nanoscale‐dependent effects that are a consequence of the reduced temperature of fabrication. Challenges such as enhanced cation diffusion along grain boundaries are; however, also observed, potentially impacting the long‐term stability of these devices. Recent progress achieved in understanding these and other challenges are reviewed and directions for future work identified.