Synthesis, characterization and phase equilibrium of perovskite oxides and development of intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

A fuel cell is a device which directly converts chemical energy into electrical energy without any intermediate steps. As long as the fuel and oxidant are continuously supplied, it can continue to generate heat and electricity. A fuel cell consists of an exclusive ion-conducting electrolyte between an anode (negatively charged electrode where electrochemical oxidation occurs) and a cathode (a positively charged electrode where electrochemical reduction occurs). At the anode, the electrochemical oxidation reaction occurs generating electrons and ions and since the electrolyte permits only ionic transport and blocks electronic transport, the electrons flow through the outer circuit towards the cathode, where it is consumed through an electrochemical reduction reaction.