Critical issues of metal-supported fuel cell

Abstract

Metal-Supported SOFCs (MS-SOFCs), wherein the supporting component of the cell is made of a porous alloy, are referred to as the third generation SOFC operating at temperature down to 500-650 °C. This technology is expected to decrease significantly capital and operational costs, while increasing the lifetime of cells due to lower operating temperature and higher redox stability. The chapter reviews MS-SOFC development with a focus given to main issues affecting the performance and longevity of single cells. It addresses critical issues for selection of alloy materials based on material cost, thermal expansion coefficient, corrosion rate, particle size, and Cr evaporation issues. Protective coatings, cell architecture, and advanced fabrication processes are then presented to illustrate the level of technical refinement currently achieved. Performance of produced MS-SOFCs is finally discussed to pinpoint factors contributing to major electrochemical losses and possible routes for improvement are reported. © Springer-Verlag London 2013.