Photo-Activated Low Temperature, Micro Fuel Cell Power Source

Abstract

-A Key objective of this program is to identify electrodes that will make it possible to significantly reduce the operating temperature of micro-SOFC and thin film-based SOFCs. Towards this end, efforts are directed towards a) identifying the key rate limiting steps which limit presently utilized electrodes from performing at reduced temperatures, as well as, b) investigating the use of optical, as opposed to thermal energy, as a means for photocatalyzing electrode reactions and enabling reduced operating temperatures. During Phase I, the following objectives were achieved: a) assembly and testing of our unique Microprobe Thin Film Characterization System; b) fabrication of the model cathode materials system in thin film form by both PLD and ink jet printing; and c) the successful configuration and testing of the model materials as cathodes in electrochemical cells. A further key objective d) to test the potential of illumination in enhancing electrode performance was also achieved.