TimmyHThe Cool New Fuel Cell
August 7th 2008 06:40
Researchers in Spain have developed a new electrolyte that could be used to drastically lower the temperatures in solid-oxide fuel cells and make them considerably more practical.
Ordinarily the electrolytes in such cells require temperatures of more than 700 degrees C to operate. But Jacobo Santamaria and his applied-physics department team at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid have modified a common type of electrolyte, yttria-stabilized zirconia, so that it works at just above room temperature.
Solid-oxide fuel cells are more efficient than conventional generators and can be run on a variety of different fuels. They are currently run on hydrogen and natural gas and as such are considered a greener alternative for energy production. But they have only been in limited circulation because they operate at such high temperatures and hence high costs. When hydrogen is used the only by-products are oxygen and water.
Eric Wachsman, director of the Florida Institute for Sustainable Energy, at the University of Florida says the low-temperature electrolyte could be a "tremendous improvement" for solid-oxide fuel cells.
The electrolyte usually only conducts ions at high temperatures but the Spanish team has found that the ionic conductivity can be greatly improved through the use of strontium titanate. The effects of this process mean that conductivity in the material can be improved by a factor of 100 million.
The experimental materials still require a degree of engineering before they can be used for commercial purposes. But if initial results are confirmed the innovation could be a major breakthrough in energy production.
Ordinarily the electrolytes in such cells require temperatures of more than 700 degrees C to operate. But Jacobo Santamaria and his applied-physics department team at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid have modified a common type of electrolyte, yttria-stabilized zirconia, so that it works at just above room temperature.
Solid-oxide fuel cells are more efficient than conventional generators and can be run on a variety of different fuels. They are currently run on hydrogen and natural gas and as such are considered a greener alternative for energy production. But they have only been in limited circulation because they operate at such high temperatures and hence high costs. When hydrogen is used the only by-products are oxygen and water.
Eric Wachsman, director of the Florida Institute for Sustainable Energy, at the University of Florida says the low-temperature electrolyte could be a "tremendous improvement" for solid-oxide fuel cells.
The electrolyte usually only conducts ions at high temperatures but the Spanish team has found that the ionic conductivity can be greatly improved through the use of strontium titanate. The effects of this process mean that conductivity in the material can be improved by a factor of 100 million.
The experimental materials still require a degree of engineering before they can be used for commercial purposes. But if initial results are confirmed the innovation could be a major breakthrough in energy production.
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