A New Perovskite Based Anode For Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

A New Perovskite Based Anode For Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
A New Perovskite Based Anode For Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

University: University of St Andrews

Sector(s): Energy & Renewables

About Opportunity:

The state of the art anode material used in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells is the Ni/YSZ ceramic-metal (cermet) composite (where YSZ = Y2O3/ZrO2) which has several difficulties in use. The anode is prepared as NiO/YSZ, and must be reduced to Ni/YSZ to work: this entails a large volumetric shrinkage, which can cause the cells to crack. Ni is a good catalyst for cracking hydrocarbon fuels, but tends to produce solid carbon, which then blocks the electrode, lowering performance and effective working life. The metallic Ni phase is also mobile and tends to sinter over time, again lowering performance.

Our technology overcomes these problems while achieving a comparable electrochemical performance, electrical and catalytic properties (significantly better when used with methane fuel). The new perovskite anode shows better tolerance to hydrocarbon fuels, without depositing carbon on the electrode. The perovskite anode can withstand more repeated cycling than a Ni/YSZ anode.

Key Benefits:

  • As effective as existing materials but without the problems such as cell cracking and reduced effective working life.
  • Redox stable - no cracking on cycling.Highly tolerant of hydrocarbon fuels.
  • Resistant to carbon deposition.No need for initial cell reduction.

Applications:

  • The perovskite anode can be used in any Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) instead of Ni/YSZ, where redox stability or hydrocarbon use is needed. This covers most applications of SOFCs.
  • The world fuel cell market is predicted to more than triple by 2005 to US$8.5 billion, and exceed US$23 billion by 2010.
  • The University would welcome enquiries from commercial parties interested in developing commercial applications of fuel cells and fuel cell materials.

IP Status:

The University of St Andrews has applied for UK and PCT patent protection for this novel material and continues to perform R&D in advanced materials for fuel cells. The University is looking for a licensee to the patent application and knowhow or a commercial collaborator to take it to market.Patent Numbers:…UK Application Number 0217794.7; PCT Application Number PCT/GB2003/003344, nationalised in EPO as 03766465.3 and US as 10/523,093 and to be nationalised in Japan, PR China, Canada and AustraliaAdditional information will be made available under a confidentiality agreement.

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