Company Name: NexTech Materials, Ltd.
404 Enterprise Drive

Lewis Center, OH  43035-9423

Project Title: Tubular SOFC with Nano-Scale YSZ Electrolyte Project ID #: DE-FG02-97ER82443

Technology:

NexTech has developed process technology for making nano-scale materials used in solid oxide fuel cells. On this project, we demonstrated a coating methodology and applied it to the Seimens-Westinghouse tubular fuel cell.

Benefits:

Reducing the operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cells is critical to successful commercialization of the technology, particularly for small scale systems. Our cost estimates show that this is a valid approach for reducing the fuel cell cost to less than $400/kW, which is the current DOE target. The basic nanomaterials technology developed by NexTech can also impact performance of the electrode materials used in a fuel cell and is useful for producing high performance catalysts used in the production of hydrogen. A subsequent DOE-sponsored project showed that water-gas-shift catalysts could be produced that meet the price volume and cost targets for automotive fuel cell applications.

Applications:

Applications for the technology include:
(1) electrolyte films that reduce operating temperature and costs of SOFCs
(2) Electrode materials that operate at lower temperatures
(3) Catalysts for reducing hydrocarbon combustion emissions
(4) Catalysts for hydrogen production
(5) Additives for ceramic manufacturing that reduce processing costs Benefits to Company:

This program allowed NexTech to develop some key technology that it has used for the development of a number of new products for the emerging fuel cell industry. NexTech has grown in size from 5 employees to 25 employees since this program started. In 2000, NexTech rolled out a commercial division called Fuel Cell Materials. FCM now serves 80 customers worldwide with the ceramic products developed by NexTech. In 2002, NexTech revenues grew to about $3 million as it expanded its activities into sensors, solid oxide fuel cell components, and portable power devices. NexTech is now a recognized leader in the development and manufacture of materials and components. In 2003, NexTech is expanding its facilities in Central Ohio to accomodate increased manufacturing and R&D activities. NexTech is offering a partnership program for supply of materials, components, services and intellectual property to major DOE contractors involved in the Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) project.