The First Book Centered on Materials Issues of SOFCsAlthough the high operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) creates opportunities for using a variety of fuels, including low-grade hydrogen and those derived from biomass, it also produces difficulties in materials performance and often leads to materials degradation during operatio

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising electrochemical power generation devices that can convert chemical energy of a fuel into electricity in an efficient, environmental-friendly, and quiet manner. Due to their high operating temperature, SOFCs feature fuel flexibility as internal reforming of hydrocarbon fuels and ammonia thermal cracking can be realized in SOFC anode. This book presents an overview of the SOFC technology with a focus on the recent developments in new technologies and new ideas for addressing the key issues of SOFC development. This book first introduces the fundamental principles of SOFCs and compares SOFC technology with conventional heat engines as well as low temperature fuel cells. Then the latest developments in SOFC R&D are reviewed and future directions are discussed. Key issues related to SOFC performance improvement, long-term stability, mathematical modelling, as well as system integration/control are addressed, including material development, infiltration technique for nano-structured electrode fabrication, focused ion beam – scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) technique for microstructure reconstruction, the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) simulation at pore scale, multi-scale modelling, SOFC integration with buildings and other cycles for stationary applications.

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) have received great attention among researchers in the past few decades due to their high electrochemical energy conversion efficiency, environmental friendliness, fuel flexibility and wide range of applications. This volume is a contribution from renowned researchers in the scientific community interested in functional materials for SOFCs. Chapters in this volume emphasize the processing, microstructure and performance of electrolyte and electrode materials. Contributors review the main chemical and physical routes used to prepare ceramic/composite materials, and explain a variety of manufacturing techniques for electrode and electrolyte production and characterization. Readers will also find information about both symmetrical and single fuel cells. The book is a useful reference for students and professionals involved in SOFC research and development.

This study aims to correlate microstructure and performance of purely electronic and mixed conducting cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells. AC impedance was used for performance evaluation, as measured by the polarization resistance values (Rp). Serial sectioning by FIB/SEM and 3D reconstruction was successful in producing volumetric representations of the porous composite cathode. These volumes were quantitatively analyzed for triple phase boundary and surface area. The results are discussed in terms of implications for design of optimal SOFC composite electrode microstructure.

Frontiers in Ceramic Science highlights the importance of ceramics and their applications in different fields such as manufacturing, construction, engineering, energy and much more. Each volume of the series brings a themed focus on a specific topic with contributions from experts around the world. The series is essential reading for materials science researchers interested in current developments in ceramic manufacturing and applications. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) have received great attention among researchers in the past few decades due to their high electrochemical energy conversion efficiency, environmental friendliness, fuel flexibility and wide range of applications. This volume is a contribution from renowned researchers in the scientific community interested in functional materials for SOFCs. Chapters in this volume emphasize the processing, microstructure and performance of electrolyte and electrode materials. Contributors review the main chemical and physical routes used to prepare ceramic/composite materials, and explain a variety of manufacturing techniques for electrode and electrolyte production and characterization. Readers will also find information about both symmetrical and single fuel cells. The book is a useful reference for students and professionals involved in SOFC research and development.

Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Lifetime and Reliability: Critical Challenges in Fuel Cells presents in one volume the most recent research that aims at solving key issues for the deployment of SOFC at a commercial scale and for a wider range of applications. To achieve that, authors from different regions and backgrounds address topics such as electrolytes, contaminants, redox cycling, gas-tight seals, and electrode microstructure. Lifetime issues for particular elements of the fuel cells, like cathodes, interconnects, and fuel processors, are covered as well as new materials. They also examine the balance of SOFC plants, correlations between structure and electrochemical performance, methods for analysis of performance and degradation assessment, and computational and statistical approaches to quantify degradation. For its holistic approach, this book can be used both as an introduction to these issues and a reference resource for all involved in research and application of solid oxide fuel cells, especially those developing understanding in industrial applications of the lifetime issues. This includes researchers in academia and industrial R&D, graduate students and professionals in energy engineering, electrochemistry, and materials sciences for energy applications. It might also be of particular interest to analysts who are looking into integrating SOFCs into energy systems. Brings together in a single volume leading research and expert thinking around the broad topic of SOFC lifetime and durability Explores issues that affect solid oxide fuel cells elements, materials, and systems with a holistic approach Provides a practical reference for overcoming some of the common failure mechanisms of SOFCs Features coverage of integrating SOFCs into energy systems