New ways to make solid oxide fuel cells
SOFCs are a promising source of renewable energy due to their high conversion efficiency and wide range of fuel sources. For SOFCs to become widely accessible, researchers must find a way to lower the operating temperature of the fuel cells to extend their lifespan. The 'Interface engineering of ionic conductor multilayer and cathode nanocomposite thin film oxides' (OXIDE INTERFACES) project addressed this by focusing on fundamental materials research for improved ionic conductivity. Researchers developed a method to create anode and cathode interfaces by pulsed laser deposition of different materials in thin layers. They also investigated how this technique could improve ionic conductivity. Further, OXIDE INTERFACES studied for the first time how the atmosphere affects production of these SOFC interface materials. This allowed researchers to produce an ionic conductor that is stable at room temperature. The innovative methods developed in this project have furthered the state of the art in ionic conducting materials. In future, the work will contribute to cheaper fuel cells as well as a range of industrial applications.
Keywords
Solid oxide fuel cells, renewable energy, interface engineering, ionic conductivity, materials research, pulsed laser deposition
