Low temperature ceramic fuel cells using all nano composite materials

The shift to low operational temperature of solid oxide or ceramic fuel cells has induced many new concepts and novel technologies. In the present study, fuel cell assembled by all nano composite materials - NiO/Fe2O3-SDC anode, SDC-carbonate electrolyte and lithiated NiO/ZnO cathode - is investigated. A range of techniques, i.e., X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy as well as polarization measurements are employed to characterize the crystalline structures, morphologies and electrochemical properties of the synthesized nanocomposite materials and cells. Performance comparison is made between single cells with and without a pre-sintering process. Finally, single cell short term stability and thermo cycle behaviors are also examined. Combined the facile fabrication process, relative high performance and reasonable stability, the current all nanocomposite system may be a promising functional system for low temperature ceramic fuel cells. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.