Solid oxide fuel cells based on ceramic membranes with mixed conductivity: improving efficiency

Modern approaches to increasing the efficiency of solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) based on electrolytic membranes with mixed conductivity are considered. These approaches are based on material-science concepts (expansion of the electrolytic domain boundary due to the doping of basic oxides and development of various composite materials) and various technological solutions (application of electron-blocking layers on the anode and cathode sides, rational selection of the electrolyte thickness, and optimization of the electrolyte and electrode structures by synthesizing heterostructures). The methods of mathematical modelling of devices with an electrolytic membrane having mixed conductivity are analyzed in order to determine the most efficient design and optimal operation conditions for SOFCs. The application of nanocomposite electrolytes with a core-shell structure and salt composites is considered. Data on new design solutions - single-layer and single-chamber SOFCs - are presented. The prospects of the proposed approaches are evaluated.