SBIR Phase I: Innovative Laser-Based Process for Commercially Viable Nanostructured Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase I project will develop high-performance and commercially attractive solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC) using a unique and cost-effective laser- based deposition technique based upon laser pyrolysis, Laser Reactive Deposition (LRD), and single stage sintering. The project addresses simultaneously the economic and performance barriers delaying SOFC commercialization and will focus on identifying the anode and thin-film electrolyte LRDTM processing conditions that yield optimal microstructures in both layers after sintering at temperatures suitable for single-stage sintering of complete anode/electrolyte/cathode cells. By overcoming the economical and technical barriers for SOFC mass commercialization, the project will enable adoption of fuel cells as environmentally benign alternatives to current fossil fuel based generation methods and will reduce the dependence on imported oil. In addition fuel cell enabled distributed generation greatly increases power supply security and reliability by eliminating central grid dependence. Additionally, LRD, laser-based nanomaterials synthesis and deposition technology, has many potential applications in electronic, optical, energy storage, and energy conversion applications.