Recent Novel Fabrication Techniques for Proton-Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Recent Novel Fabrication Techniques for Proton-Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

26 February 2024 | Mengyang Yu, Qiuxia Feng, Zhipeng Liu, Peng Zhang, Xuefeng Zhu, and Shenglong Mu
Recent Novel Fabrication Techniques for Proton-Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are known for their flexibility, modularity, high efficiency, and power density. However, their high operating temperatures lead to material degradation and increased costs. Proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (PCFCs), which operate at lower temperatures, offer a promising solution with high efficiency and low carbon emissions. PCFCs can convert various renewable fuels into electricity at intermediate temperatures (400–650 °C). The performance of PCFCs is heavily influenced by their manufacturing technology, which is crucial for achieving high-performance, low-cost, and environmentally friendly devices. This review discusses recent fabrication methods for PCFCs, including traditional techniques like solid-state reactive sintering (SSRS), spark plasma sintering (SPS), microwave sintering, and tape casting, as well as advanced methods such as 3D printing. These methods are evaluated for their impact on the overall performance of PCFCs. The article highlights the advantages of 3D printing, which allows for the rapid and precise fabrication of complex structures, and the potential of in-situ 3D printing laser processing technology for high-performance PCFCs. The review also covers the working principles of PCFCs, which differ from traditional SOFCs in that they use protons instead of oxygen ions as charge carriers. This results in lower activation energy and higher ionic conductivity, enabling operation at lower temperatures. The structure of a PCFC includes a porous anode, dense electrolyte, porous cathode, and connectors. The electrolyte conducts protons, allowing for efficient energy conversion. The manufacturing methods discussed include SSRS, SPS, microwave sintering, and 3D printing. Each method has its advantages and challenges, particularly in terms of energy consumption, time, and the ability to produce complex structures. 3D printing, especially laser-based techniques like digital light stereolithography (DLP), has shown promise in fabricating high-performance PCFCs with complex geometries and high density. The review also highlights the electrochemical properties of PCFCs, including their high ionic conductivity and efficient energy conversion. Electrochemical characterization techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and DC four-point probe measurements are used to evaluate the performance of PCFCs. The results indicate that PCFCs can achieve high power densities and long-term stability, making them a viable alternative to traditional SOFCs. Future directions for PCFC research include the development of new fabrication techniques to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the performance of PCFCs. The integration of advanced manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing, is expected to play a key role in achieving these goals. The review emphasizes the importance of continued research and development in this area to advance the commercialization of PCFCs.Recent Novel Fabrication Techniques for Proton-Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are known for their flexibility, modularity, high efficiency, and power density. However, their high operating temperatures lead to material degradation and increased costs. Proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (PCFCs), which operate at lower temperatures, offer a promising solution with high efficiency and low carbon emissions. PCFCs can convert various renewable fuels into electricity at intermediate temperatures (400–650 °C). The performance of PCFCs is heavily influenced by their manufacturing technology, which is crucial for achieving high-performance, low-cost, and environmentally friendly devices. This review discusses recent fabrication methods for PCFCs, including traditional techniques like solid-state reactive sintering (SSRS), spark plasma sintering (SPS), microwave sintering, and tape casting, as well as advanced methods such as 3D printing. These methods are evaluated for their impact on the overall performance of PCFCs. The article highlights the advantages of 3D printing, which allows for the rapid and precise fabrication of complex structures, and the potential of in-situ 3D printing laser processing technology for high-performance PCFCs. The review also covers the working principles of PCFCs, which differ from traditional SOFCs in that they use protons instead of oxygen ions as charge carriers. This results in lower activation energy and higher ionic conductivity, enabling operation at lower temperatures. The structure of a PCFC includes a porous anode, dense electrolyte, porous cathode, and connectors. The electrolyte conducts protons, allowing for efficient energy conversion. The manufacturing methods discussed include SSRS, SPS, microwave sintering, and 3D printing. Each method has its advantages and challenges, particularly in terms of energy consumption, time, and the ability to produce complex structures. 3D printing, especially laser-based techniques like digital light stereolithography (DLP), has shown promise in fabricating high-performance PCFCs with complex geometries and high density. The review also highlights the electrochemical properties of PCFCs, including their high ionic conductivity and efficient energy conversion. Electrochemical characterization techniques such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and DC four-point probe measurements are used to evaluate the performance of PCFCs. The results indicate that PCFCs can achieve high power densities and long-term stability, making them a viable alternative to traditional SOFCs. Future directions for PCFC research include the development of new fabrication techniques to improve energy efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the performance of PCFCs. The integration of advanced manufacturing technologies, such as 3D printing, is expected to play a key role in achieving these goals. The review emphasizes the importance of continued research and development in this area to advance the commercialization of PCFCs.
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