Alternative Energy a Step Closer

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) are attracting much interest over their use as an alternative source of power. Commercial trials are already taking place and many researchers and developers are watching the tests with interest. The fuel cells work by generating electricity through electro-chemical reactions using hydrogen based gas with oxygen as both a fuel and oxidant.

One of the major issues is how to seal the fuel cells – the container must have good gas tightness as well as good adhesion with the electrolyte and connector, and must have good chemical compatibilitt matching the coefficient of thermal expansion and electrical insulation. Without a good container and seal, the product will not be able to released onto the commercial market.

Researchers from Thailand’s National Metals and Materials Technology Center have been investigating this issue by looking at ceramic adhesives and ceramic-glass composites. They found that all the materials they tested displayed good compatibility with the interconnector system, and that the glass-ceramic composite materials tended to seal better than the ceramic adhesives.

With the advances in SOFCs, it is possible they will be ready for use in the commercial market in the near future and they could be a definite alternative for next-gen power supply.