Low-Temperature, Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathode Development

70182 The performance of the cathode is the largest hurdle to the full realization of low temperature solid oxide fuel cells. This project will develop cathode materials with improved properties that are necessary for high performance at low temperatures. The approach will use materials and processes that enhance the interfacial reaction rates that largely control low temperature performance of cathodes. In Phase I, the feasibility of selected materials and fabrication process for the cathode will be evaluated at a fuel cell operating temperature of 700¿C. The materials selection will be based on evaluating the electrocatalytic property of the material for oxygen reduction at the lower temperatures. The feasibility of the cathode will be verified using single cell tests. Phase II will optimize the fabrication technique of the selected cathode and culminate in the demonstration of a nominally 500 W fuel cell stack operating at or below 700¿C Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The new cathode should significantly enhance the commercial prospects of the solid oxide fuel cells in small (<10 kilowatts) and medium (<200 kilowatts) power applications where cost goals are difficult to meet with present technology. The cathode should also function efficiently in electrochemical oxygen separation technology for small scale point of use oxygen production at a commercial target cost.