Anode‐Supported Tubular Micro‐Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Abstract

A tubular anode‐supported “micro‐solid oxide fuel cell” (μSOFC) has been developed for producing high volumetric power density (VPD) SOFC systems featuring rapid turn on/off capability. An electrophoretic deposition (EPD)‐based, facile manufacturing process is being refined to produce the anode support, anode functional and electrolyte layers of a single cell. μSOFCs (diameter <5 mm) have two main potential advantages, a substantial increase in the electrolyte surface area per unit volume of a stack and also rapid start‐up. As fuel cell power is directly proportional to the active electrolyte surface area, a μSOFC stack can substantially increase the VPD of an SOFC device. A decrease in tube diameter allows for a reduction in wall thickness without any degradation of a cell's mechanical properties. Owing to its thin wall, a μSOFC has an extremely high thermal shock resistance and low thermal mass. These two characteristics are fundamental in reducing start‐up and turn‐off time for the SOFC stack. Traditionally, SOFC has not been considered for portable applications due to its high thermal mass and low thermal shock resistance (start‐up time in hours), but with μSOFCs' potential for rapid start‐up, new possibilities for portable and transportable applications open up.