Elastic configurations of self-supported oxide membranes for fuel cells

► Address the origin for far-from threshold buckling patterns in self-supported oxide membranes. ► Provide an outline of shape evolution based on reduced stress. ► Corroborate results of elastic model with experimental fabrication of self-supported thin film YSZ membrane. ► Utilize self-supported membrane to show a proof-of-concept thin film SOFC operating directly with natural gas. ► Obtain near-ideal open circuit potential, indicating pristine nature of membrane.