In-plane and through-plane electrochemical conductivity and fuel cell performance of thin-film YSZ electrolytes

	Clean Technology 2008 Chapter 5: Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Technologies
	In-plane and through-plane electrochemical conductivity and fuel cell performance of thin-film YSZ electrolytes
Authors:	A.C. Johnson, S. Ramanathan
Affilation:	Harvard University, US
Pages:	258 - 260
Keywords:	fuel cell, intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell, nanoionics
Abstract:	Submicron electrolyte films are a key component of intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells. Several groups have reported size-dependent in-plane ionic conductivity in thin films of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and gadolinia-doped ceria. Here we report both in-plane and through-plane conductivity of dense YSZ films varying in thickness from 20 to 200 nm. In-plane measurements were performed on YSZ films grown on silicon wafers coated with SiO2 or Si3N4. Detailed structural studies were performed on the YSZ films to investigate crystallinity and uniformity. Micro-fabricated strips with Pt electrodes were used to obtain conductivity vs. temperature from 200 – 600 C in a custom-designed micro-probe station. These films have activation energies from 0.77 to 1.09 eV. Their absolute conductivity is lower compared with other reports, and shows little or no thickness or substrate dependence. Through-plane and fuel cell measurements were performed by depositing YSZ on a nitrided silicon wafer, then etching through the wafer and depositing porous platinum electrodes on both sides. We will discuss the electrochemical conduction studies in detail along with fuel cell performance and correlation with electrode microstructure. The results have potential relevance to fabrication of micro-fuel cells for environmentally friendly portable electricity generation.
ISBN:	1-4200-8502-0
Pages:	724
Order:	Online/Mail/Fax Ordering Options
Indexes:	Keywords, Authors, Affiliations
Up

Join Us

Featured Events

ARPA-E Energy Innovation Summit
Washington DC, Feb. 27-29, 2012

Cleantech 2012
(joint with TechConnect World)
Santa Clara CA, June 19-21, 2012

"We've very much enjoyed being a member of CTSI. In addition to the many networking and conference opportunities, we've found the monthly newsletters to be the best consolidated source of clean technology industry information and updates on policy, grants and market intelligence."

- Patrick J. Piper, QM Power, Inc.

"Ener-G-Rotors is pleased to be a member of CTSI. CTSI has been very supportive of our efforts in clean technology, helping to connect us with key legislators, introducing us to contacts at the DOE, and providing opportunities to network with other clean technology companies."

- Michael Newell, Ener-G-Rotors, Inc.

"The Clean Technology and Sustainable Industries Organization brings together the world's most innovative companies to provide critical thinking and technology solutions to real-world challenges."

- Dr. Ray O Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, Lockheed Martin

Clean Technology 2008

Chapter 5: Fuel Cell & Hydrogen Technologies

In-plane and through-plane electrochemical conductivity and fuel cell performance of thin-film YSZ electrolytes