Solid-state electrochemistry SOFCs

Similar efforts in solid-state electrochemistry for SOFC development focus on the exploration of new perovskites not only for the ORR but also for the anodic oxidation of hydrocarbons [182]. In this area, the discovery that Cu-based anodes present a viable alternative to the classical Ni-YSZ cermet anodes is particularly noteworthy [166, 183, 184], owing to the significant enhancement of performance by avoiding coke deposition. Similar important advances have occurred in the molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) area [9]. 

The principles behind this membrane technology originate from solid-state electrochemistry. Conventional electrochemical halfceU reactions can be written for chemical processes occurring on each respective membrane surface. Since the general chemistry under discussion here is thermodynamically downhill, one might view these devices as short-circuited solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), although the ceramics used for oxygen transport are often quite different. SOFCs most frequently use fluorite-based solid electrolytes - often yttria stabUized zirco-nia (YSZ) and sometimes ceria. In comparison, dense ceramics for membrane applications most often possess a perovskite-related lattice. The key fundamental... 

Up to 1995, the year in which he became Professor emeritus, and even thereafter he was active in different fields of solid state electrochemistry (solid electrolytes, sensors, SOFC). His pioneering work encompasses contributions to solid oxide fuel cells, theoretical considerations regarding electrochemical phenomena in solid electrolyte cells, basic discoveries in solid electrolyte gas cells, and their applications as gas sensors in different branches of industry. Without any doubt, the discovery of the fuel-oxygen titration curve by means of solid electrolyte cells on which the lambda probe is based is his most memorable contribution to electrochemistry. At the Second European Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Forum, which took place in Oslo on May 1996, Prof. Dr. Hans-Heinrich Mobius was awarded the Christian Friedrich Schonbein Medal of Honor in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the fundamentals and the technology of solid electrolyte fuel cells [1]. 

This chapter describes electrochemical testing of individual electrodes and cells and gives a brief discussion of stack testing. It is extremely important in testing solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) to have a good understanding of the fundamental principles of electrochemistry to this end, classical textbooks [1-3], which are based on liquid electrochemistry, are certainly helpful, but it is also extremely important to be familiar with different aspects of solid-state electrochemistry, especially those involving solid oxide electrolytes [4r-12]. 

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