Development of solid oxide fuel cells using high-frequency plasma spraying technologies

Abstract

The paper describes the topical issues and the latest achievements in the development of materials with high electrochemical characteristics for single cells and small assemblies of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The authors propose planar SOFC technology which includes sequential deposition of all layers of a thin-film cell on a porous metallic substrate by plasma techniques. The method allows developing porous SOFC anode and cathode, which increases the active area of electrochemical reaction, reduces the spread of technological parameters (in particular, the spread in thickness and porosity of a solid electrolyte), improves SOFC performance and reduces the mass and size of SOFC assemblies. The paper also describes the physics of plasma spraying process in individual cells and SOFC structures. The proposed method is an alternative to traditional SOFC production methods; it eliminates the necessity to use agglomeration technology or other heat treatment. Moreover, it opens up the prospects for automated continuous production process. The appropriate SOFC production equipment is developed, for stationary and mobile use. Further studies will be focused on the task of reducing the weight of SOFC assemblies, which allows using them as an auxiliary power unit for on-board power supply, for example, for cars, airplanes and spaceships.