Low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells with bioalcohol fuels

Abstract Energy and environmental issues become key factors for sustainable development of society and national economy. Sustainable energy targeting opportunities for economic friendly growth of a country are commonly recognized. The growing interest is focused on the renewable energy resources because of the global energy demands increasing day by day. To meet the demands, an extensive research is aimed to develop sustainable energy devices such as solar cells, rechargeable batteries, and fuel cells. In recent years, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) among fuel-cell types has got more attention especially due to its fuel flexibility (e.g., different hydrocarbons, alcohols, and gasoline/diesel), high efficiency, and low emission. Thus, LTSOFC fed by direct bioethanol is receiving considerable attention as a clean, highly efficient for the production of both electricity and high-grade waste heat. These multifuel advantages provide the opportunities to develop an advanced SOFC system especially bioalcohol SOFC systems. This is a very dynamic area for SOFC applications with a promising future. It may create great energy savings and pollution reductions, if the bioalcohol fuel-based-technologies in these applications come into practical use. This chapter is focused on the development of LTSOFC operated by direct bioalcohol (bioethanol and biomethanol) for sustainable development. The content of this chapter is divided into three parts: (i) development of materials, (ii) characterization and analysis, (iii) demonstration of the nanocomposite materials in a bioalcohol FC, and (iv) case studies. Such bioalcohol FC research and development can enhance the use of sustainable/renewable energy for the society, and results achieved for applications have great potential to revolutionize the energy technology in an environmentally friendly and sustainable way.

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