Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Technologies: Improved Electrode-Electrode Structures for Solid State Electrochemical Devices

IB-1405

E.O. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory

APPLICATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY:

• Gas separation
• Fuel cells
• Catalytic reactors
• Other devices

ADVANTAGES:

• Improved performance
• Improved reliability
  
  

ABSTRACT:

Berkeley Lab researchers Lutgard DeJonghe, Steven Visco, and Craig Jacobson have focused their attention on solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) and related technologies. Fuel cells "burn" hydrogen or hydrocarbons to produce electricity. They are highly fuel-efficient and almost non-polluting, making them an attractive alternative for energy generation. Some solid oxide fuel cells burn hydrocarbons by first converting them to hydrogen, while others burn them directly. The latter are the leading candidates for commercial applications.

Steven Visco, Craig Jacobson, and Lutgard DeJonghe have developed a new tri-layer structure that exhibits unusual and unexpected electrochemical performance. Berkeley Lab's new electrode/electrolyte/electrode structure is useful for gas separation (oxygen or hydrogen), fuel cells, catalytic reactors, and other devices. A porous electrode is coated with a thin electrolyte film and a porous counter electrode. This structure is then co-fired to yield a high-performance thin-film device.

STATUS:

• U.S. Patent #6,767,662 
• Available for licensing for fuel cells (both fixed and portable), sensors, gas preparation and separation, and other applications, with the following limitation: only non-exclusive rights are available within the field of use of solid oxide fuel cells with electrical power output between 0.5kW and 40kW that are designed for installation as a permanent fixture in residential buildings and small commercial business facilities.

REFERENCE NUMBER: IB-1405

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