Electrode reaction and electrochemical performance: Materials and technology development for low temperature SOFC

1. ABSTRACT Fuel Cells are a forward looking technology for a highly efficient, environmental friendly power generation. The electrochemically active single cell is a multilayer structure consisting of ceramic and metallic materials with different electrical transport properties. Materials for electrodes should exhibit electronic and ionic conductivity in combination with porosity and catalytic activity, whereas the electrolyte has to be a purely ionic conducting and gas tight membrane. All components have to show a well adjusted thermal expansion behavior, chemical compatibility of material interfaces and chemical stability in the prevailing temperature and gas atmosphere. The performance and long term stability of the single cell is significantly increased by the use of suitable materials, a proper design of the cell and an optimized microstructure at the electrode/electrolyte-interfaces. The application of appropriate technologies for the production of single cells with optimized microstructure becomes even more important for highly efficient SOFCs operating in the medium and low temperature range.