| Fuel cells have garnered much interest over the past couple of decades as they provide a clean and efficient method of alternative power generation. Solid oxide fuel cells are a specific class of fuel cells that typically operate at elevated temperatures (800°C-1100°C), which are achievable due to the heat resistant nature of their ceramic components. More recently, there has been much research focused on lowering their operating temperature to 500°C-700°C. At this operational range, materials will be subjected to less extreme thermal stresses, allowing for more cost-effective metals to be used in system integration. However, these temperatures pose the problem of slower chemical kinetics. Unlike their metal counterparts, ceramics exhibit enhanced electronic and catalytic properties at elevated temperatures. In order to provide an intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC), it is therefore necessary to identify material candidates which can perform at these lower temperatures. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
