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A Metallic Interconnect for Intermediate Temperature, Planar, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells--Materials and Systems Research, Inc., 5395 West 700 South, Salt Lake City, UT  84104; 801-530-4987

Ms. Diane M. England, Principal Investigator

Dr. Dinesh K. Shetty, Business Official

DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-00ER83044

Amount:  $99,933

 

A metallic alloy is preferred over ceramic materials for application as an interconnect in planar solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) due to its following attributes: 1) ductile, 2) flexible, 3) low-cost, and 4) easier to manufacture.  However, most non-noble metallic alloys develop an electronically insulating oxide scale when oxidized.  The development of low-cost, oxidation-resistant alloys with a strongly adherent and electronically conducting oxide scale is highly desired.  The proposed approach is based on the deposition of certain metals on chromium containing alloys prior to use as an interconnect.  During operation, the deposited metal oxides and subsequently reacts with chromium oxide to form chromites.  The compositions are so selected that the chromites formed strongly adhere to the base alloy and exhibit excellent electronic conductivity in both cathodic and anodic atmospheres.  Commercial nickel-based alloy foils with a thickness of 5 mils will be used as the base alloy.  Certain metals will be vapor-deposited on the surface of the foils.  The foils will then be subjected to an oxidative treatment.  The conductivity of the oxide scale, and its adherence to the base alloy will be examined.  Promising materials will be investigated in internally manifolded, anode-supported cells.

 

Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee:  The proposed research will lead to development of metallic interconnects for application in SOFCs.  The SOFC has numerous applications in distributed, residential, automotive and portable power as a device that can operate on hydrocarbon fuels at a high efficiency while creating negligible pollution.  The applications include both in the consumer sector as well as in the military.