Sol-gel processing for battery and fuel cell applications

Abstract

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel and oxidant directly to electrical energy. Three types of fuel cells are (a) protonexchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), (b) molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs), and (c) solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In each case, there is a role for sol-gel processing. In the case of PEMFC, sol-gel modifications to the membrane are designed to increase the operating temperature. In the case of MCFC, sol-gel corrosion barriers extend the lifetime of the current collector. Finally, sol-gel processing is being used to assemble the electrolyte and electrode layers in SOFC and related oxygen-generating devices. Examples are given for the application of sol-gel processing in each system, pointing out the derived benefits and areas for further development.