Water-based cathode inks for improved solid oxide fuel cells

Facilitation of the large scale commercial production of SOFCs Easier manufacture of potentially more efficient cells More environmentally friendly; reduces the use of volatile organic solvents in the working environment to conform with air quality regulations

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are a growing market with a strong industrial focus driven by environmentally friendly energy generation research. At present, various organic solvents are used for cathode inks; until now development of water-based cathode inks has been unsuccessful. Current methods use organic solvents such as acetone, iso-propanol, methyl ethyl ketone and ethanol. A water-based cathode ink offers several advantages as it is less volatile, this allows longer storage of the ink and allows dip-coating without surface drying. This water based system could also overcome the problems around handling solvents and potential environmental issues around using solvents Cells made with this new ink system, have outperformed previously-used acetone-based systems in laboratory conditions. Development of this technology may lead to easier manufacture of potentially better cells with decreased costs and increased availability. Commercial applications for power stacks include combined heat and power plants for homes and offices, stationary power generation and smaller mobile units for civil and military use.

Patent Number: GB201107672D0
Application Number: GB20117672A
Priority Date: 9 May 2011
Priority Number: GB201107672D0
Application Date: 9 May 2011
Publication Date: 22 Jun 2011
Assignee Applicant: Univ Birmingham
Title: Ink
Usefulness: Ink

Chemical/Material

Fuel Cell

USA