Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathode Enhancement through Infiltration Fabrication Techniques

In order to improve the performance of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), this project will incorporate a nano-scale catalyst within the SOFC cathode. The innovation will allow improved, inexpensive and stable metals to be used for electrical interconnection and gas manifolding. Further, decreasing the operation temperature below 750°C would greatly increase system reliability, increase operation life, and decrease the balance of plant. Because cathode resistance is the major contributor to overall cell resistance at lower temperatures (70-85% of total resistance), this approach will reduce the interfacial resistance contribution of the cathode by inserting the nano-catalyst into the cathode structure, using various wet impregnation processes. In Phase I, cell performance and stability will be characterized to better identify the benefits and limitations of impregnating the macroscopic cathode structure with these nano-catalysts. In addition, extensive microscopy studies will be conducted to identify the catalyst¿s microstructure properties related to dispersion, particle structure, and deposit location. Based on optimization of materials performance and comparative testing, the composition(s) exhibiting the best performance will be selected for further development, characterization, and demonstration in Phase II. Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The transition to a hydrogen economy and fuel cell power generation are considered to be viable paths for the future economic and environmental stability. Increasing fuel cell performance through improvements in material sets would lower fuel cell operating temperatures, leading to cost-effective and durable fuel cell systems for stationary power, mobile auxiliary power units, and small portable units for both commercial and military applications.