Development of novel micro flat-tube solid-oxide fuel cells

Fabrication process of 0.2 cm thick, 1.3 cm wide micro flat tube solid oxide fuel cells has been developed using cost effective extrusion and dip-coating method. The cell consists of NiO–yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) as an anode (support flat tube), scandia stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) as an electrolyte gadolinia doped ceria (GDC) for an interlayer, and (La, Sr)(Fe, Co)O3 (LSCF)–GDC as a cathode. The cell has been investigated between 500 and 700 °C operating temperature and showed the power density of 0.1 and 0.55 W cm− 2, respectively, with diluted hydrogen fuel. The effect of fuel flow rate has also been studied at each operating temperature, showing strong influence at higher operating temperatures.

► First report of micro flat-tube type solid-oxide fuel cell with high output performance.
► The cell consists of conventional zirconia based materials and can be operable at as low as 500 °C.
► Processing method is cost effective allowing mass-production.