Accelerated green transition with the introduction of a new solid-oxide fuel cell technology
In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers at Kyushu University's Platform of Inter-/Transdisciplinary Energy Research have developed a solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that operates efficiently at a temperature of just 300°C. This development, led by Professor Yoshihiro Yamazaki, could potentially open the door to consumer-level systems and significantly contribute to decarbonisation efforts.
The heart of an SOFC is the electrolyte, a ceramic layer that carries charged particles between two electrodes. The new SOFC addresses the challenge of no known ceramic being able to carry enough protons quickly at 300°C. The researchers found that barium stannate (BaSnO3) and barium titanate (BaTiO3), when doped with high concentrations of scandium (Sc), can achieve the SOFC benchmark proton conductivity of more than 0.01 S/cm at 300°C. This conductivity level is comparable to today's common SOFC electrolytes at 600-700°C.
Unlike batteries, solid-oxide fuel cells convert chemical fuel directly into electricity. This efficiency, combined with the lower operating temperature, could significantly reduce material costs, making SOFCs more accessible for everyday use. The low operating temperature also opens up the possibility for various applications, such as low-temperature electrolysers, hydrogen pumps, and reactors that convert CO2 into valuable chemicals.
The method that enabled solid-oxide fuel cells to operate efficiently at a temperature of 300°C was originally developed by researchers at Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany. The new compounds, BaSnO3 and BaTiO3, have the potential to revolutionize various technologies beyond solid-oxide fuel cells.
This development could aid the transition away from fossil fuels, as solid-oxide fuel cells offer a clean and efficient source of power. The new SOFC is designed to transport hydrogen ions (protons) efficiently at 300°C, making it a promising solution for affordable hydrogen power closer to everyday life. The findings overturn the trade-off between dopant level and ion transport, offering a clear path for low-cost, intermediate-temperature solid-oxide fuel cells.
Beyond fuel cells, the same principle can be applied to other technologies. This research transforms a long-standing scientific paradox into a practical solution, bringing us one step closer to a sustainable future.
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