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Cathode-Supported Thin-Film Solid Oxide Cells with Low Operating Temperatures--NexTech Materials, Ltd., 720-I Lakeview Plaza Boulevard, Worthington, OH 43085-4733; 614-842-6608
Dr. Scott L. Swartz, Principal Investigator
Mr. William J. Dawson, Business Official
DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-99ER82844
Amount: $100,000
Solid oxide fuel cell systems with very high power generation efficiencies (>80 percent) are possible by combining fuel cell stacks that operate at low temperatures with existing high-temperature fuel cell stacks. However, in order to achieve low operating temperatures, solid oxide fuel cells with very thin electrolyte membranes are required. This project will develop low-cost manufacturing methods for solid oxide fuel cells comprising thin zirconia electrolyte films supported on porous lanthanum manganite cathode substrates. High power densities at low operating temperatures (700° C) will be demonstrated, technology for incorporating the planar thin-film fuel cell elements into stacks will be developed, and planar stacks of cathode-supported thin-film fuel cells will be produced. In Phase I, novel powder processing and fabrication methods will be used to improve the mechanical properties and to control the porosity of a ceramic lanthanum manganite (LSM) cathode material. Yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) films will be deposited onto LSM substrates from aqueous suspensions of nanoscale YSZ crystallites, and the LSM/YSZ bi-layer structure will be sintered to densify the YSZ electrolyte film. The electrochemical performance of the LSM-supported YSZ films will be evaluated.
Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Low-cost fabrication technology for producing supported thin-film electrolyte membranes in solid oxide fuel cells should contribute to clean and efficient power generation from abundant and/or renewable fuels, including natural gas, hydrogen, gasified coal, and biomass-derived fuels. Other applications include membrane reactors for the production of chemicals and fuels, and gas separation membranes for large-scale oxygen production.