Background

An important part of the NexTech development program is the development of improved processing, materials and manufacturing methods for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC’s).
Low Cost Deposition for SOFC Manufacturing

Development of scalable, low cost, and high yield processes for aerosol deposition for anodes, cathode, and electrolyte materials on planar and tubular electrode supported SOFC designs. The key benefit is that the process is tailorable to accommodate the wide range of characteristics for current and future designs and materials. These characteristics include porosity and shrinkage of the support along with desired porosity of the sintered coatings.
Continuous Process for Low Cost, High Quality YSZ Powder

Process development aimed at fabricating high performance yttria stabilized zirconia to meet industrial process specifications. Research has identified tailorable, low cost, and scalable processing routes at the pilot plant level that lead to YSZ materials with good electrochemical performance and reduced sintering temperature. These improvements will assist SECA members and other developers pursuing both cathode- and anode-supported SOFC designs. These materials are available on a limited basis to development partners. Please inquire for more information.
Low Temperature Cathode Materials for SOFCs

Through investigations of A and B site doping in perovskite materials, NexTech has reduced cathode-electrolyte interfacial resistance in SOFC operating below 750°C. These materials are available on a limited basis to our growing number of development partners.
Highly Textured Composite Seals for SOFC Application

The goal of this project is to develop composite seal materials for intermediate temperature SOFC stacks. Ceramic-glass composites are being evaluated for mechanical compliance and seal quality under temperature cycling conditions. University of Missouri-Rolla is a partner on this project.