Opportunities and challenges in materials development for thin film solid oxide fuel cells

Litzelman, S.J. (Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology); Hertz, J.L.; Jung, W.; Tuller, H.L.

Source: Fuel Cells, v 8, n 5, October, 2008, New Ceramic Materials for Fuel Cells, p 294-302

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

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. © 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA. (91 refs.)

terms:  Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC)  -  Ceramic materials  -  Conversion efficiency  -  Crystal growth  -  Electric batteries  -  Electrochemistry  -  Energy conversion  -  Fuel cells  -  Grain boundaries  -  Grain size and shape  -  Metastable phases  -  Phase stability  -  Semiconductor doping  -  Solid electrolytes  -  Thick films  -  Thin film devices  -  Thin films