Amorphous, Non-Oxide Seals, Derived from Organic Precursors, for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

70526 Despite extensive international efforts, several key issues hinder the widespread use of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology. One of the limitations of current SOFC designs is the method of sealing the components together to make an impermeable, mechanically reliable assembly. This project will develop a seal for planar SOFC that will meet, or exceed, performance requirements and improve the reliability of SOFC systems. Phase I will demonstrate the feasibility of using amorphous, non-oxide seals, derived from organic precursors, to produce seals for SOFC. In particular, Phase I will evaluate: (1) the adhesion between precursor derived materials and SOFC materials, (2) methods of controlling the thermo-mechanical properties of precursor-derived seal materials via composite approaches, and (3) the long-term stability of precursor-derived materials in environments representative of SOFC service conditions. Phase II will optimize processing methods and compositions, including a determination of the thermomechanical properties of relevant seal materials and an analysis of structural loads applied to cell components. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: In addition to the seal for planar SOFCs, other potential applications include high-temperature seals for other SOFC configurations, microelectronic process equipment, ceramic devices such as ion-transport membranes, high-temperature sensors, ceramic heat-exchangers, and other ceramic devices for use at high temperatures.