Abstract: A metal oxide thin film structure for a solid oxide fuel cell, prepared by a method comprising dispersing a metal oxide nanopowder in a metal oxide salt solution and subsequent coating of the resulting metal oxide powder dispersed sol and the metal oxide salt solution on a porous substrate, has excellent gas impermeability, excellent phase stability, and is devoid of cracks or pinholes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell in which electricity is generated and a paraffin is converted to an olefin. Between the anode and cathode compartment of the fuel cell is a ceramic membrane of the formula BaCe0.85-eAeLfY0.05-0.25O(3-?) wherein A is selected from the group consisting of Hf and Zr and mixtures thereof, e is from 0.1 to 0.5, L is a lanthanide and f is from 0 to 0.25 and ? is the oxygen deficiency in the ceramic.

Abstract: An electrolyzer cell is disclosed which includes a cathode to reduce an oxygen-containing molecule, such as H2O, CO2, or a combination thereof, to produce an oxygen ion and a fuel molecule, such as H2, CO, or a combination thereof. An electrolyte is coupled to the cathode to transport the oxygen ion to an anode. The anode is coupled to the electrolyte to receive the oxygen ion and produce oxygen gas therewith. In one embodiment, the anode may be fabricated to include an electron-conducting phase having a perovskite crystalline structure or structure similar thereto. This perovskite may have a chemical formula of substantially (Pr(1-x)Lax)(z-y)A?yBO(3-?), wherein 0<x<1, 0?y?0.5, and 0.8?z?1.1. In another embodiment, the cathode includes an electron-conducting phase that contains nickel oxide intermixed with magnesium oxide.

Abstract: A solid state electrochemical cell comprises a dense electrolyte layer; at least one reticulated electrode matrix (REM) of ion-conducting material partially sintered on the gas impermeable electrolyte layer, and electrode material located substantially within the REM. The REM has a majority of pores with an average pore size of less than micron. The REM can also have a porosity of 5 to 80%, thickness at or below 3.00 microns, and a mean grain size of 0.01 to 3.00 microns.

Abstract: Tubular objects having two or more concentric layers that have different properties are joined to one another during their manufacture primarily by compressive and friction forces generated by shrinkage during sintering and possibly mechanical interlocking. It is not necessary for the concentric tubes to display adhesive-, chemical- or sinter-bonding to each other in order to achieve a strong bond. This facilitates joining of dissimilar materials, such as ceramics and metals.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell has anode, cathode and electrolyte layers each formed essentially of a multi-oxide ceramic material and having a far-from-equilibrium, metastable structure selected from the group consisting of nanocrystalline, nanocomposite and amorphous. The electrolyte layer has a matrix of the ceramic material, and is impervious and serves as a fast oxygen ion conductor. The electrolyte layer has a matrix of the ceramic material and a dopant dispersed therein in an amount substantially greater than its equilibrium solubility in the ceramic matrix. The anode layer includes a continuous surface area metallic phase in which electron conduction is provided by the metallic phase and the multi-oxide ceramic matrix provides ionic conduction.

Abstract: A composite oxygen transport membrane having a dense layer, a porous support layer and an intermediate porous layer located between the dense layer and the porous support layer. Both the dense layer and the intermediate porous layer are formed from an ionic conductive material to conduct oxygen ions and an electrically conductive material to conduct electrons. The porous support layer has a high permeability, high porosity, and a high average pore diameter and the intermediate porous layer has a lower permeability and lower pore diameter than the porous support layer. Catalyst particles selected to promote oxidation of a combustible substance are located in the intermediate porous layer and in the porous support adjacent to the intermediate porous layer. The catalyst particles can be formed by wicking a solution of catalyst precursors through the porous support toward the intermediate porous layer.

Abstract: A fuel cell of the present invention includes a membrane-electrode assembly (10), an anode separator (20), and a cathode separator (30). The membrane-electrode assembly (10) includes: a polymer electrolyte membrane (1); a first anode catalyst layer (2A) and an anode gas diffusion layer (4) sequentially stacked on one of main surfaces of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1); a second anode catalyst layer (2B) disposed between the polymer electrolyte membrane (1) and the first anode catalyst layer (2A); and a cathode catalyst layer (3) and a cathode gas diffusion layer (5) sequentially stacked on the other main surface of the polymer electrolyte membrane (1). The second anode catalyst layer (2B) contains a catalyst which adsorbs a sulfur compound.

Abstract: A solid oxide cell obtainable by a process comprising the steps of: depositing a fuel electrode layer on a fuel electrode support layer; depositing an electrolyte layer comprising stabilized zirconia on the fuel electrode layer to provide an assembly of fuel electrode support, fuel electrode and electrolyte; optionally sintering the assembly of fuel electrode support, fuel electrode and electrolyte together to provide a pre-sintered half cell; depositing on the electrolyte layer of the pre-sintered half cell one or more oxygen electrode layers, at least one of the oxygen electrode layers comprising a composite of lanthanum-strontium-manganite and stabilized zirconia to provide a complete solid oxide cell; sintering the oxygen electrode layers together with the pre-sintered half cell to provide a sintered complete solid oxide cell; and impregnating the one or more oxygen electrode layers of the sintered complete solid oxide cell with manganese to obtain a manganese impregnated solid oxide cell.

Abstract: A direct-flame fuel cell according to the invention has a cell in which a solid electrolyte 1 is sandwiched between an anode 2 and a cathode 3. The anode 2 contains one or more kinds of alkaline metal compounds or alkaline earth metal compounds which are effective in suppressing soot generation due to exposure to a flame. Where the anode 2 includes two or more layers 2a and 2b, the one or more kinds of alkaline metal compounds or alkaline earth metal compounds are contained in the outermost layer 2b.

Abstract: A support wafer made of silicon wafer comprising, on a first surface a porous silicon layer having protrusions, porous silicon pillars extending from the porous silicon layer to the second surface of the wafer, in front of each protrusion. Layers constituting a fuel cell can be formed on the support wafer.

Abstract: A plasma sprayed ceramic-metal fuel electrode is provided. The fuel electrode has particular application in connection with a solid oxide fuel cell used within a power generation system. The fuel cell advantageously comprises an air electrode, an electrolyte formed on at least a portion of the air electrode, a plasma sprayed ceramic-metal fuel electrode formed on at least a portion of the electrolyte, and an interconnect layer to connect adjacent cells in a generator.

Abstract: A high temperature, redox tolerant fuel cell anode electrode and method of fabrication in which the anode electrode is pre-conditioned by application of an initial controlled redox cycle to the electrode whereby an initial re-oxidation of the anode electrode is carried out at temperatures less than or equal to about 650° C.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to an electrochemical cell having a closed Fermat spiral shape. The electrochemical cell comprises an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte, a fuel channel, an oxidant channel, and optionally a reforming layer. The electrochemical cell can be made through extrusion, gel-casting, or 3-D printing. The electrochemical cell can be a solid oxide fuel cell.

Abstract: To provide a glass containing little B2O3, whereby when its powder is fired, its thermal expansion curve does not have an inflection point, a non-lead glass is provided containing, as represented by mol % based on the following oxides, from 35 to 41.5% of SiO2, from 8 to 25% of MgO, more than 27 to 35% of CaO, from 0 to 2% of SrO, from 0 to 4% of BaO, from 5 to 15% of ZnO and from 4.5 to 10% of Al2O3, wherein the total content of these components is at least 97%, and when SrO and BaO are contained, the total content of SrO and BaO is at most 2%; as well as a non-lead glass containing, as represented by mol % based on the following oxides, from 39.5 to 41.5% of SiO2, from 10 to less than 13% of MgO, from 18 to 22% of CaO, more than 12 to 15% of SrO, from 0 to 1% of BaO, from 6 to 11% of ZnO and from 4.5 to 7% of Al2O3, wherein the total content of these components is at least 97%.

Abstract: The method for fabrication of the electrochemical energy converter characterised in that, cermet composition (2A)1 (2B) is applied on both sides of the central ceramic plate (1), wherein on both sides of the plate in the cermet composition (2A), (2B), channels (3A), (3B) are made, then the channels (3A), (3B) on both sides of the plate are covered with cermet composition layers (4A), (4B). Afterwards, both sides of the ceramic structure made in such a way are overlaid with conductive structures (5A), (5B) and then with subsequent layers of the cermet composition (6A). (6B) containing nickel, then both sides of the ceramic structure prepared in a such way are subsequently overlaid with: layers constituting the solid electrolyte (7A), (7B), layers constituting electrodes (8A), (8B) and contact layers (9A), (9B). The electrochemical energy converter has a flat layered ceramic base whose core is constituted by the central ceramic plate (D, permanently bonded with porous cermet layers (AN1).

Abstract: A molten carbonate fuel cell anode comprising a porous anode body, which comprises a nickel-based alloy and at least one ceramic additive dispersed throughout the anode body. The amount of the ceramic additive in the anode body is between 5 and 50% by volume. The nickel-based alloy is Ni—Cr or Ni—Al, and the ceramic additive is one of CeO2, yttrium doped ceria, yttrium doped zirconia, TiO2, Li2TiO3, LiAlO2 and La0.8Sr0.2CoO3.

Abstract: The structured body intended for use for an anode (1) in fuel cells, includes a structure formed by macro-pores and an electrode material. The macro-pores form communicating spaces which are produced by using pore forming materials. The electrode material includes skeleton-like or net-like connected structures of particles which are connected by sintering and which form two reticular systems which interengage: a first reticular system made of ceramic material and a second reticular system which contains metals to effect an electrical conductivity. The electrode material has the properties so that, with a multiple change between oxidizing and reducing conditions, substantially no major property changes occur in the ceramic reticular system, and an oxidization or reduction of the metals occurs in the second reticular system.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a porous metal substrate structure with high gas permeability and redox stability for a SOFC and the fabrication process thereof, the porous metal substrate structure comprising: a porous metal plate composed of first metal particles; and a porous metal film composed of second metal particles and formed on the porous metal plate; wherein the porous metal plate has a thickness more than the porous metal film, and the first metal particle has a size more than the second metal particle. Further, a porous shell containing Fe is formed on the surface of each metal particle by impregnating a solution containing Fe in a high temperature sintering process of reducing or vacuum atmosphere, and the oxidation and reduction processes. The substrate uses the porous shells containing Fe particles to absorb the leakage oxygen.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a double-layer anode structure on a pretreated porous metal substrate and a method for fabricating the same, for improving the redox stability and decreasing the anode polarization resistance of a SOFC. The anode structure comprises: a porous metal substrate of high gas permeability; a first porous anode functional layer, formed on the porous metal substrate by a high-voltage high-enthalpy Ar—He—H2—N2 atmospheric-pressure plasma spraying process; and a second porous anode functional layer, formed on the first porous anode functional layer by a high-voltage high-enthalpy Ar—He—H2—N2 atmospheric-pressure plasma spraying and hydrogen reduction. The first porous anode functional layer is composed a redox stable perovskite, the second porous anode functional layer is composed of a nanostructured cermet. The first porous anode functional layer is also used to prevent the second porous anode functional layer from being diffused by the composition elements of the porous metal substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid oxide fuel cell in which an anode is formed with a hollow portion, and the hollow portion may be used as a gas diffusion path, thereby improving gas diffusion performance, and the hollow portion may be also used as a reinforcement hole for reinforcing a strength or a current collecting hole for increasing a current collecting efficiency, thereby improving a cell strength and also increasing an efficiency of producing electric energy. The solid oxide fuel cell has an electrolyte layer; an anode; a cathode; and a hollow portion formed in the anode.

Abstract: Conveying gas containing sulfur through a sulfur tolerant planar solid oxide fuel cell (PSOFC) stack for sulfur scrubbing, followed by conveying the gas through a non-sulfur tolerant PSOFC stack. The sulfur tolerant PSOFC stack utilizes anode materials, such as LSV, that selectively convert H2S present in the fuel stream to other non-poisoning sulfur compounds. The remaining balance of gases remaining in the completely or near H2S-free exhaust fuel stream is then used as the fuel for the conventional PSOFC stack that is downstream of the sulfur-tolerant PSOFC. A broad range of fuels such as gasified coal, natural gas and reformed hydrocarbons are used to produce electricity.

Abstract: A high temperature, redox tolerant fuel cell anode electrode and method of fabrication in which the anode electrode is pre-conditioned by application of an initial controlled redox cycle to the electrode whereby an initial re-oxidation of the anode electrode is carried out at temperatures less than or equal to about 650° C.

Abstract: The embodiments generally relate to a high performance ceramic anode which will increase flexibility in the types of fuels that may be used with the anode. The embodiments further relate to high-performance, direct-oxidation SOFC utilizing the anodes, providing improved electro-catalytic activity and redox stability. The SOFCs are capable of use with strategic fuels and other hydrocarbon fuels. Also provided are methods of making the high-performance anodes and solid oxide fuel cells comprising the anodes exhibiting improved electronic conductivity and electrochemical activity.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure, a method for fabricating a symmetrical solid oxide fuel cell is described. The method includes synthesizing a composition comprising perovskite and applying the composition on an electrolyte support to form both an anode and a cathode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel cell in which electricity is generated and a paraffin is converted to an olefin. Between the anode and cathode compartment of the fuel cell is a ceramic membrane of the formula BaCe0.85-eAeLfY0.05-0.25O(3-?) wherein A is selected from the group consisting of Hf and Zr and mixtures thereof, e is from 0.1 to 0.5, L is a lanthanide and f is from 0 to 0.25 and ? is the oxygen deficiency in the ceramic.

Abstract: A solid polymer electrolyte composite membrane and method of manufacturing the same. The composite membrane comprises a porous ceramic support having a top surface and a bottom surface. The porous ceramic support may be formed by laser micromachining a ceramic sheet or may be formed by electrochemically oxidizing a sheet of the base metal. A solid polymer electrolyte fills the pores of the ceramic support and preferably also covers the top and bottom surfaces of the support. Application of the solid polymer electrolyte to the porous support may take place by applying a dispersion to the support followed by a drying off of the solvent, by hot extrusion of the solid polymer electrolyte (or by hot extrusion of a precursor of the solid polymer electrolyte followed by in-situ conversion of the precursor to the solid polymer electrolyte) or by in-situ polymerization of a corresponding monomer of the solid polymer electrolyte.

Abstract: A thin plate member is a thin plate member that is formed by sintering, contains a ceramic layer, and comprises a thin part having two or more types of layers laminated, each of which is made of a material having a different thermal expansion coefficient, and a thick part that is made by laminating plural layers including at least all of the layers constituting the thin part, and has a thickness greater than the thickness of the thin part. The thin part has a shape warping in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the thin plate member. By virtue of this configuration, the internal electrical resistance of the thin part can be reduced. Further, the thin plate member can be provided that is difficult to be deformed with respect to the internal stress caused by the difference in thermal expansion coefficient between layers.

Abstract: An electric power generation cell 1 is constituted by arranging a fuel electrode layer 4 on one side of a solid electrolyte layer 3 and an air electrode layer 2 on the other side of the solid electrolyte layer 3. The solid electrolyte layer 3 is constituted of an oxide ion conductor mainly composed of a lanthanum gallate based oxide. The fuel electrode layer 4 is constituted of a porous sintered compact having a highly dispersed network structure in which a skeletal structure formed of a consecutive array of metal grains is surrounded by mixed conductive oxide grains. For the air electrode layer 2, a porous sintered compact mainly composed of cobaltite is used. This configuration reduces the overpotentials of the respective electrodes and the IR loss of the solid electrolyte layer 3, and accordingly can actualize a solid oxide type fuel cell excellent in electric power generation efficiency.

Abstract: The instant invention relates a solid-state electrochemical cell and a novel separator/electrolyte incorporated therein. A preferred embodiment of the invented electrochemical cell generally comprises a unique metal oxyhydroxide based (i.e. AlOOH) separator/electrolyte membrane sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode. A preferred novel separator/electrolyte comprises a nanoparticulate metal oxyhydroxide, preferably AlOOH and a salt which are mixed and then pressed together to form a monolithic metal oxyhydroxide-salt membrane.

Abstract: Copper-based cermets and methods of preparing them are provided. The Cu-based cermets have interpenetrating networks of copper alloy and stabilized zirconia that are in intimate contact and display high electronic connectivity through the copper alloy phase. In certain embodiments, methods of preparing the cermets involving sintering a mixture of ceramic and copper-based powders in a reducing atmosphere at a temperature above the melting point of the copper or copper alloy are provided. Also provided are electrochemical structures having the Cu-based cermet, e.g., as an anode structure or a barrier layer between an anode and a metal support. Applications of the cermet compositions and structures include use in high-operating-temperature electrochemical devices, including solid oxide fuel cells, hydrogen generators, electrochemical flow reactors, etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a paste for screen printing which is used in the fabrication of an anode functional layer, an electrolyte layer, or a cathode layer of an anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell. The paste contains a raw material powder, ethyl cellulose alpha terpineol, and an alcoholic solvent in which a thermosetting binder is soluble. Also provided is a method of fabricating an anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell using the paste. Thus, a reliable high-performance, large area solid oxide fuel cell that can be economically and efficiently fabricated is provided.

Abstract: The instant invention relates a solid-state electrochemical cell and a novel separator/electrolyte incorporated therein. The invented electrochemical cell generally comprising: a unique metal oxyhydroxide based (i.e. AlOOH) separator/electrolyte membrane sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode. The novel separator/electrolyte comprises a nanoparticulate metal oxyhydroxide, preferably AlOOH and a salt which are mixed and then pressed together to form a monolithic metal oxyhydroxide-salt membrane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalyst, including a catalyst particle containing at least one component selected from the group consisting of gold, platinum and an gold alloy, the gold alloy containing gold and at least one element selected from transition metal elements of the fourth period, fifth period and sixth period of the Periodic Table, and a catalyst carrier carrying the catalyst particle and containing a perovskite type oxide represented by general formula (1) given below: A(1-x)BxTiOy??(1) where the element A is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ca, Sr and Ba, the element B is at least one element selected from the group consisting of La, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu, the molar ratio x satisfies 0<x<1, and the molar ratio y satisfies 2.7?y?3.

Abstract: A solid oxide fuel cell which has high output capacity especially at an operating temperature of 600° C.-800° C. and effectively prevents influence of reaction between respective layers. The solid oxide fuel cell includes a solid electrolyte layer between a fuel electrode and an air electrode, a support comprised of either the fuel electrode or the air electrode, and at least first and second layers provided in turn from the side of the support. The first layer is comprised of a cerium-containing oxide and the second layer is comprised of a lanthanum-gallate oxide containing at least lanthanum and gallate. A sintering assistant for improving sintering property of the cerium-containing oxide is contained in the first layer. When the thickness of the second layer is T ?m, the value of T is 2<T<70.

Abstract: The invention relates to direct conversion of coal into electricity in a high temperature electrochemical generator in a single step process. This novel concept promises nearly doubling the conversion efficiency of conventional coal-fired processes and offering near-zero emissions. The improved efficiency would mean that nearly half as much coal is mined and transported to the power plant, and half the greenhouse gases and other pollutants such as sulfur, mercury and dioxins are produced. It also offers several crucial distinctions from conventional coal-burning processes. Since the process does not involve the combustion of coal in air, it does not involve nitrogen and hence generates practically no NOx. Accordingly, there is also no latent heat lost to nitrogen. In this process, the oxygen necessary to oxidize coal is supplied through an ion selective ceramic membrane electrolyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of an anode for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), an anode, and a SOFC, in which an anode is formed by stacking sheets having a plurality of holes, and the holes are used as gas diffusion paths through which fuel gas can be facilely diffused, and some of the holes are filled with a reinforcement member or a current collecting member, thereby improving a cell strength and increasing a current collecting performance and thus an efficiency of the SOFC.

Abstract: Gas discharge ports are provided in almost the entire area of a layer surface of a separator, and a gas for reaction is discharged like a shower from the separator toward a power generation cell. The separator is constructed by layering plate-shaped members containing iron-base alloy, nickel-base alloy, or chrome-base alloy as the base material. Silver, silver alloy, copper, or copper alloy is plated on both sides or one side of the base material of the plate-shaped member. The construction above can increase durability of a separator and enables the separator and a solid oxide fuel cell to be stably used for a long period.