Intermediate Temperature (~650 Degrees Celsius), High Power Density Solid Oxide

41046 Materials and Systems Research, Inc. Generation of electrical energy by fuel cells is an important are of energy conversion technology. The principal impediment to achieving high power densities is the lack of efficient electrodes. The objective of this project is to further enhance the performance of the already efficient electrodes by the introduction of a thin catalytic layer so that the overall cell specific resistance (inclusive of all contributions) can be lowered to below 0.4O cm2 (and possibly below 0.3 Ocm2) corresponding to power densities of 0.75 watt/cm2 (and possibly > 1 watt/cm2) at 650oC. Numerous choices for the catalytic layer on both the cathode and the anode side exists. In Phase I, suitable catalysts will be identified through independent evaluation as well as through single cell testing. Further development will be made with catalysts capable of yielding high power densities at 650oC, preferably above 0.75 watt/cm2. In Phase II a planar 1 kw stack operating at 650oC will be demonstrated. Anticipated Results/Potential Commercial Applications as described by the awardee: Demonstration of high power density (= 0.75 watt/cm2) fuel cells operating at 650oC is the principal anticipated result. Potential uses include SOFC stacks for power generation plants, as well as smaller self-contained units for office buildings, hospitals, schools, hotels, etc., and for electrically propelled vehicles, and for power generation in remote places.