Advanced fuel cells: from materials and technologies to applications

Abstract

Fuel cells are a promising future energy technology to provide effective conversion from fuel to electricity. Fuel cells can be utilized in a wide range of applications and over a broad power scale. To become commercially viable, major progress both in the science and technology of fuel cells is necessary. Advanced fuel cell technologies such as lowtemperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), utilization of nano-materials, improved theoretical understanding of new fuel cell materials, and better fuel cell system optimization, are examples of approaches leading to more effective technology.This Timurkutluk et al.[4] investigated the infiltration of nano-ion conductors to the anode and cathode side to improve SOFC performance. The power density could be increased even by a factor of two through the infiltration, but the particle size and the porosity affected the results.Tosto [5] analyzed mixed ionic-electronic conductivity in solid oxides in the presence of point and line lattice defects. Presence of dislocations in the crystal lattice causes a drift force additional to that due to the concentration and electric potential gradients and explains increased conductivity.Malkow et al.[6] have developed a harmonized testing procedure for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell power stacks using polarization measurements. The assessment of the stack performance is based on a statistical approach of the test outputs.Ferreira et al.[7] discussed composite ionic conductors for fuel cells. They found that in addition to mixed carbonate phase, unexpected composite effects may influence charge transport properties. Grain sizes and interfacial layers with nano-sized crystals also were investigated.Lund [8] analyzed poly-generation systems based on fuel cells and showed that not only the performance parameters but also the characteristics of the end-use application will determine the energy benefits. About 10-20% primary energy savings can easily be achieved with LT-SOFCs.

Highly ordered Nafion-silica-HPW proton exchange membrane for elevated temperature fuel cells

“…Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) attract great interest as power sources for zero-emission vehicles and stationary applications due to their high efficiency and low air pollution when compared with internal combustion engines [1,2]. Operation of PEMFCs at elevated temperature has been receiving increased attention because it can enhance reaction kinetics at both electrodes, improve the carbon monoxide tolerance of the platinum catalyst at the anode, and simplify heat and humidity managements of PEMFCs [3][4][5][6][7].…”