Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) can produce electricity with high efficiencies with the advantages of greatly reduced harmful emissions and no moving parts. A critical hurdle to commercialization of SOFC are the high operating temperatures and large thermal expansion mismatch between the cathode and electrolyte that can results in long-term degradation. We developed low cost ceramic processing techniques that are capable of producing ultra thin electrolytes and explored new perovskite and perovskite-based cathodes. The combination of thin electrolytes and new low thermal expansion electrolytes that can operate at lower temperatures allow improved long term performance by reducing thermo mechanical loading on the fuel cell.

This interdisciplinary research project was a collaboration with the Manthiram research group.

Publications in This Area

1. C. Torres Garibay, “Manufacturing of Reduced-Dimensions Planar Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Using Inexpensive Ceramic Techniques,” Proceedings of the GEC Graduate Engineering Student Research Conference,The University of Texas at Austin, TX, April 28, 2005.
2. C. Torres-Garibay, D. Kovar and A. Manthiram “Ln_0.6Sr_0.4Co_1-yFe_yO_3-δ (Ln = La and Nd; y = 0 and 0.5) Cathodes With Thin Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia Electrolytes for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells,” J. Power Sources, 187, 480-486 (2009).
3. C. Torres-Garibay and D. Kovar, “Perovskite-Related Intergrowth Cathode Materials with Thin YSZ Electrolytes for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells,” J. Power Sources 192, 396-399 (2009).