Lowering the Temperature of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1204090
• Publication Date: 2011-11-17T20:21:43Z
• Authors: Eric D. Wachsman; Kang Taek Lee
• Keywords: Chemical energy; Energy transformation; Regenerative fuel cell; Operating temperature

Fuel cells are uniquely capable of overcoming combustion efficiency limitations (e.g., the Carnot cycle). However, linking fuel (an energy conversion device) and hydrogen carrier) has emphasized investment in proton-exchange membrane as part a larger economy thus relegated to future technology. In contrast, solid oxide operating on conventional fuels (as well hydrogen) today. The main issue for is high temperature (about 800°C) resulting materials cost complexities thermal cycling). Recent results have demonstrated extremely power densities about 2 watts per square centimeter at 650°C along with flexible fueling, enabling higher within current infrastructure. Newly developed, high-conductivity electrolytes nanostructured electrode designs provide path further performance improvement much lower temperatures, down ~350°C, providing opportunity transform way we convert store energy.