Solid oxide fuel cell studies based on Sr- and Mg-doped LaGaO₃ electrolyte

Fuel cells constitute an attractive power-generating technology that converts chemical energy directly and with high efficiency into electricity while causing little pollution. Conventional solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are operated at 1000o C or more in order to attain reasonable power density. It is desirable to operate a fuel cell at reduced temperatures (700-800o C), while still maintaining the power densities achieved at high temperatures. The widely-used yttria-stablized zirconia electrolyte possess a relatively low ionic conductivity at 800o C. Strontium and magnesium doped lanthanum gallate (LSGM) was identified as a superior oxide-ion conductors with good chemical stability. To enhance the power density of a SOFC, a thinner electrolyte, better electrode materials, surface catalyst, and reduced interface reactions were the means to achieve the goal. The alternative anode material was also investigated in order to utilize logistic fuels other than H2.