Abstract: A method of extracting electrochemical energy from flowing hydrocarbon fluids, including positioning a porous electrolyte layer between a substantially porous anode layer and a substantially porous cathode layer to define a fuel cell, flowing a mixture of hydrocarbon fuel and oxidant over the fuel cell, heating the fuel cell to at least a predetermined minimum temperature, and extracting electrochemical energy from fuel cell. The electrolyte is typically an ionic or protonic conductor.

Abstract: A method for producing a fuel cell, including applying a porous, non-densified electrolyte layer over an anode substrate, sintering the electrolyte layer to the anode substrate, and applying a porous catalytic anode layer onto the electrolyte and spaced from the anode layer to define a fuel cell to produce a non-gastight fuel cell. Typically, the fuel cell is annealed and substantially porous.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for the preparation of electrodes for use in solid oxide fuel cells. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for the preparation of ceramic electrodes that provide high ionic and electronic conduction, high porosity and high surface area. Additionally, the methods of the invention allow for controlled and optimized properties of ionic and electronic phases for a particular operating condition. Advantageously, the methods of the invention allow for the fabrication of SOFC electrodes using low processing temperatures and inexpensive techniques requiring no specialized equipment.