Grain-size effects in nanoscaled electrolyte and cathode thin films for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC)

Due to their high energy conversion efficiencies and low emissions, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) show promise as a replacement for combustion-based electrical generators at all sizes. Further increase of SOFC efficiency can be achieved by microstructural optimization of the oxygen-ion conducting electrolyte and the mixed ionic-electronic conducting cathode. By application of nanoscaled thin films, the exceptionally high efficiency allows the realization of mobile SOFCs.