Progress on Nanocomposite Materials for SOFCs at CNR-ITAE

All the research activity carried out by the SOFC group of CNR-ITAE fulfill the objectives of Horizon 2020 (3: Secure, clean and efficient energy; 3c: Mobile energy sources and alternative fuels), that aims at making bio-energy more competitive for a short-term commercialization of hydrogen and fuel cells. In this scenario it has been highlighted that "The Union intends to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20 % below 1990 levels by 2020, with a further reduction to 80-95 % by 2050. In addition, renewables should cover 20 % of final energy consumption in 2020 coupled with a 20 % energy efficiency target". Moreover it points out that "Europe is currently far from this overall goal. 80 % of the European energy system still relies on fossil fuels, and the sector produces 80 % of all the Union's greenhouse gas emissions. Every year 2.5 % of the Union's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is spent on energy imports and this is likely to increase. This trend would lead to total dependence on oil and gas imports by 2050. Faced with volatile energy prices on the world market, coupled with problems concerning the security of supply, European industries and consumers are spending an increasing share of their income on energy". Therefore, the road map to a competitive low-carbon economy, environmentally sustainable and independent on oil is to turn to more efficient and environmentally sustainable technologies of energy production and, to alternatives policies of economic and social growth. Technology developed in the field of solid oxide fuel cells has reached a sufficient level of maturity to address problems connected to the remote and distributed generation of electric power. Currently, SOFCs are the optimal choice for the distributed small and medium distributed generation systems (50 kWel). Moreover, SOFCs, unlike other types of fuel cells, do not use noble metals. SOFCs give rise to reaction rates and electrical efficiency levels higher than those of conventional small or medium-sized internal combustion systems currently on the market. SOFCs can be fed with various kind of fuel, but practical Solid Oxide Fuel Cells must be fed fuels widely diffused and/or characterized by low cost, e.g. methane, propane, and bio-fuels. The choice of these fuels is strategic because they do not require new infrastructure for fuel delivery and are quite accepted from the environmental point of view as well as in terms of handling. To achieve effective operation at intermediate temperatures and reduced carbon deposition, anode and cathode catalysts alternative to the conventional high temperature SOFC materials must be developed. The CNR-ITAE, located in Messina (Italy), has a long and proven experience in all categories of fuel cells having contributed to the penetration of this technology into Europe since the early 1980's. In the field of SOFC, the activity has been focused on development of catalysts for direct oxidation of dry fuels, ceramic electrolytes for intermediate temperature operation and SOFC ministack. In this work it has been reported on the CNR-ITAE experience in the screening of SOFC components under practical operating conditions, electrochemical process optimization on a small scale, ex-situ physico-chemical characterization of the SOFC cells after operation, and prototypes.