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Micro-fabrication of Miniaturized Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) on Silicon Chip


EMSL Project ID
18191

Abstract

We propose the development of miniaturized solid oxide fuel cell on silicon chip in EMSL micro-fabrication facility. Under this proposal, initial focus will be given on the demonstration of the fabrication and testing of thin film low temperature (< 400 C) SOFC device. This will be a significant breakthrough since all solid state oxide fuel cell capable of operation at or below 400 0C has not been demonstrated yet. Under this proposal, we will consider metal electrodes (~40-50% porosity, Pt for anode and Ag for cathode) and GDC or SDC as an electrolyte. The thickness of electrolyte and electrodes will be maintained about 1 micron and 0.5-1 microns, respectively. After the initial feasibility demonstration of the device, we will continue the development of these electrodes to improve electrochemical performance (reduction of both anodic and cathodic over potentials). We will also examine spinals and perovskite formulations for cathode and Ni/Ni alloys for anode with direct reformation and oxidation of methanol. Upon completion of all the tests, we will transfer the existing optimized process on silicon to micro-fabricate an array of miniaturized oxide fuel cells.

Project Details

Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2006-02-24
End Date
2007-01-13
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

Prabhakar Singh
Institution
University of Connecticut

Team Members

Laxmikant Saraf
Institution
Clemson University

Olga Marina
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Theva Thevuthasan
Institution
Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory