KIST, KAIST team develops SOFC anode that addresses problem with intermittent operation; potential applications for mobility
High-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are very efficient for the direct conversion of chemical fuels to electricity. Inexpensive catalysts, such as nickel, can be used in these cells, as opposed to low-temperature polymer electrolyte fuel cells, which use expensive platinum catalysts. Nickel usually comprises approximately 40% of the anode volume of a ceramic fuel cell.
However, since nickel agglomerates at high temperatures, when the ceramic fuel cell is exposed to the oxidation and reduction processes which accompany stop-restart cycles, uncontrollable expansion occurs. Repeated on and off switching induces reduction–oxidation (redox) cycles at the anode, causing catastrophic failure of the SOFC cell. This limits the use of SOFCs in use cases with intermittent operation.
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IMAGE: Conceptual diagram of oxidation-reduction cycle of ceramic fuel cells and Comparison of New Concept vs. Deterioration Rate of Conventional Fuel Plates view more
Credit: Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST)
A research team in Korea has developed a ceramic fuel cell that offers both stability and high performance while reducing the required amount of catalyst by a factor of 20. The application range for ceramic fuel cells, which have so far only been used for large-scale power generation due to the difficulties associated with frequent start-ups, can be expected to expand to new fields, such as electric vehicles, robots, and drones.
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IMAGE: Scheme of exposed crystal facets of cubic structures with (100), (110), and (111) orientations. view more
Credit: Korea Institute of Science and Technology(KIST)
All-solid-state batteries are the next-generation batteries that can simultaneously improve the stability and capacity of existing lithium batteries. The use of non-flammable solid cathodes and electrolytes in such batteries considerably reduces the risk of exploding or catching fire under high temperatures or external impact and facilitates high energy density, which is twice that of lithium batteries. All-solid-state batteries are expected to become a game changer in the electric vehicle and energy storage device markets. Despite these advantages, the low ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes combined with their high interfacial resistance and rapid deterioration reduce battery performance and life, thus limiting their commercialization.