Micro solid oxide fuel cells: a new generation of micro-power sources for portable applications

Francesco Chiabrera; Iñigo Garbayo; Nerea Alayo; Albert Tarancón

doi:10.1117/12.2269454

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2 June 2017 Micro solid oxide fuel cells: a new generation of micro-power sources for portable applications

Francesco Chiabrera, Iñigo Garbayo, Nerea Alayo, Albert Tarancón

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Proceedings Volume 10246, Smart Sensors, Actuators, and MEMS VIII; 102460S (2017) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2269454
Event: SPIE Microtechnologies, 2017, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

Portable electronic devices are already an indispensable part of our daily life; and their increasing number and demand for higher performance is becoming a challenge for the research community. In particular, a major concern is the way to efficiently power these energy-demanding devices, assuring long grid independency with high efficiency, sustainability and cheap production. In this context, technologies beyond Li-ion are receiving increasing attention, among which the development of micro solid oxide fuel cells (μSOFC) stands out. In particular, μSOFC provides a high energy density, high efficiency and opens the possibility to the use of different fuels, such as hydrocarbons. Yet, its high operating temperature has typically hindered its application as miniaturized portable device. Recent advances have however set a completely new range of lower operating temperatures, i.e. 350-450°C, as compared to the typical <900°C needed for classical bulk SOFC systems. In this work, a comprehensive review of the status of the technology is presented. The main achievements, as well as the most important challenges still pending are discussed, regarding (i.) the cell design and microfabrication, and (ii.) the integration of functional electrolyte and electrode materials. To conclude, the different strategies foreseen for a wide deployment of the technology as new portable power source are underlined.

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Francesco Chiabrera, Iñigo Garbayo, Nerea Alayo, and Albert Tarancón "Micro solid oxide fuel cells: a new generation of micro-power sources for portable applications", Proc. SPIE 10246, Smart Sensors, Actuators, and MEMS VIII, 102460S (2 June 2017); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2269454

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