Research Areas - Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Solid oxide fuel cells consist of two electrodes separated by an oxide electrolyte. One electrode (anode) is fed with the fuel gas, and the other one (cathode) is supplied with an oxidant gas. The electrochemical reaction between the fuel and oxygen produces DC electricity.
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) — Solid oxide fuel cells are being considered as one of the most attractive — efficient and clean — technologies for electric power generation, and catalysis plays an important role in their development. Our researchers are conducting detailed studies of both oxygen reduction kinetics at the cathode/electrolyte interface and fuel oxidation kinetics at the anode/electrolyte interface. A combination of advanced electrochemical techniques and surface science methods is being used to elucidate the mechanism of these reactions and identify rate-determining step(s). In particular, for the fuel side, systematic investigations are being carried out for hydrogen oxidation, direct hydrocarbon oxidation and in-situ internal steam reforming of hydrocarbon fuels.
Using hydrocarbon fuels on the SOFC anode requires thorough studies of carbon formation and catalyst deactivation, effect of impurities in fuels (e.g., sulfur poisoning) and electrode durability and stability. Our work includes gaining a better understanding of the catalysis, electrocatalysis and surface electrochemistry under actual fuel cell operating conditions, as well as the influence of electrode structure, preparation methods, etc. We also conduct research on the mechanisms of the reactions surrounding mixed conducting to obtain fundamental understanding of the ionic and electronic transport phenomena in mixed conducting oxides.