Abstract: The present invention provides solid oxide fuel cells, solid oxide electrolyzer cells, solid oxide sensors, components of any of the foregoing, and methods of making and using the same. In some embodiments, a solid oxide fuel cell comprises an air electrode (or cathode), a fuel electrode (or anode), an electrolyte interposed between the air electrode and the fuel electrode, and at least one electrode-electrolyte transition layer. Other embodiments provide novel methods of producing nano-scale films and/or surface modifications comprising one or more metal oxides to form ultra-thin (yet fully-dense) electrolyte layers and electrode coatings. Such layers and coatings may provide greater ionic conductivity and increased operating efficiency, which may lead to lower manufacturing costs, less-expensive materials, lower operating temperatures, smaller-sized fuel cells, electrolyzer cells, and sensors, and a greater number of applications.

Abstract: A method to fabricate thin, penetrating coatings of metal oxides with oxygen storage capability is disclosed. The application of these coating in diesel exhaust particulate oxidation, carbonization prevention in ethylene cracking pipes etc. is also disclosed. In this method, the use of thin, penetrating coatings of catalytic metals decreases the oxidation temperature of carbon in contact with or near the coated surfaces. Finally, the invention describes a method to prepare a better bonding surface for laying down catalysts through traditional calcification slurry methods, by pre-coating the surface with a thin, penetrating coating of metal oxide.