Chapter 3 - Brownmillerite and Aurivillius electrolytes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are energy conversion systems, which used to convert fuels to energy through electrochemical reactions. SOFC has stand out for its high energy conversion efficiency, fuel flexibility, high-quality exhaust heat, all-solid-state structure, high power density, low greenhouse gas emissions, reduced noise, and environmental impact. The intermediate temperature (500°C–750°C) SOFC (IT-SOFC) has been developed to satisfy the operation requirements of SOFCs. During SOFC operation, fuels and oxidant are introduced to the anode and cathode, respectively. The electrochemical reactions take place due to the chemical potential difference across two sides of electrolyte. The electrolyte is selected in such a way that it only allows oxide ions to pass through it without any electron exchange. This chapter exclusively focuses on the electrolytes in SOFC, that is, perovskites, flourites, brownmillerites, and Aurivillius structures.