6 - Solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter provides an overview of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs). It discusses the key features of materials for SOFCs. SOFCs can convert chemical energy to electricity directly at high temperatures. Due to their high operational temperatures, the efficiencies of such systems are estimated to be highest among the fuel cell systems developed so far. The important component materials are the anode, cathode, electrolyte, and interconnect, which are mainly electronic conductors, oxygen ion (O2-) conducting ceramics, and metals. An important aspect of SOFCs is their interfaces, where different components come into contact and electrochemical reactions take place actively. Thus, it is important to clarify the properties of the component materials as well as the interfaces. The chapter discusses basics of SOFCs, component materials for SOFCs, operational testing and analysis for reactions at the gas/electrode/electrolyte interfaces, and current status and future developments of SOFCs.