The environmental impact of solid oxide fuel cell manufacturing

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) offer many advantages over conventional methods of electrical generation, including higher efficiencies and lower emissions. The environmental benefits of the use phase of SOFCs have been extensively reported, but it is important that the total environmental burden is evaluated. This article compares the environmental impact of six fabrication methods which have the potential to be used within the SOFC manufacturing process: screen printing, slurry spraying, tape casting, calendering, electrochemical vapour deposition and physical vapour deposition.