Abstract
Fuel cells offer the possibility of zero-emissions electricity generation and increased energy security. We review here the current status of solid oxide (SOFC) and polymer electrolyte membrane (PEMFC) fuel cells. Such solid electrolyte systems obviate the need to contain corrosive liquids and are thus preferred by many developers over alkali, phosphoric acid or molten carbonate fuel cells. Dramatic improvements in power densities have been achieved in both SOFC and PEMFC systems through reduction of the electrolyte thickness and architectural control of the composite electrodes. Current efforts are aimed at reducing SOFC costs by lowering operating temperatures to 500-800 °C, and reducing PEMFC system complexity be developing 'water-free' membranes which can also be operated at temperatures slightly above 100 °C.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 5981-6000 |
| Number of pages | 20 |
| Journal | Acta Materialia |
| Volume | 51 |
| Issue number | 19 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Nov 25 2003 |
Funding
The electron micrograph shown in Fig. 3 (a) was provided by Dr. Zongping Shao, post-doctoral scholar in the author’s laboratory and funded by DARPA, Microsystems Technology Office. Additional financial support was provided by the Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
Keywords
- Electroceramics
- Fuel cells
- Platinum group metals
- Polymers
- Solid electrolytes
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Ceramics and Composites
- Polymers and Plastics
- Metals and Alloys
