Opportunities for sol-gel materials in fuel cells

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel and oxidant directly to electrical energy. Three types of fuel cells are (a) proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFC), (b) molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFC) and (c) solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). In each case, there is a role for sol-gel processing. In the case of PEMFC, sol-gel modifications to the membrane are designed to increase the operating temperature. In the case of MCFC, sol-gel corrosion barriers extend the lifetime of the current collector. Finally, sol-gel processing is being used to assemble the electrolyte and electrode layers in SOFC and related oxygen generating devices. Examples are given for the application of sol-gel processing in each system, pointing out the derived benefits and areas for further development. (author)