Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech: Characterization of 3D Printing for Ceramic Fuel Cell Electrolytes
Albert Folch Alcaraz recently submitted a Master’s thesis to the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya BarcelonaTech . In ‘ Mechanical and Microstructural Characterization of 3D Printed Ceramic Fuel Cells Electrolytes ,’ Alcaraz delves further into digital fabrication using ceramic as a versatile material for creating solid oxide fuel cells—electrochemical devices capable of transforming chemical energy to electrical energy.
Striving to ‘bring science and society closer together,’ Alcaraz aims to develop energy devices that offer better efficiency, as well as offering clean energy that can be generated with less effect on our environment. Fuel cells are categorized regarding the types of electrolytes contained within, from low temperature (the alkaline fuel cell (AFC), the proton exchange membrane fuel cell, and the phosphoric acid fuel cell (PAFC)) to high temperature (operating at 500 – 1000 oC as two different types, the molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) and the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC)).
SOFCs are made from ceramic, comprised of an anode that oxidizes and then sends electrons to the external circuit—and the oxidant which feeds into the cathode, thus ‘accepting’ electrons and then undergoing a reduction reaction. Electricity is created via electron flow from the anode to the cathode.
Working schematisation of a SOFC
Solid ceramic electrolytes prevent corrosion, offer superior mechanical performance for smaller, lighter weight structures, but do still present some challenges in terms of processing and temperatures.
“In theory, any gases capable of being electrochemically oxidized and reduced can be used as fuel and oxidant in a fuel cell,” states Alcaraz.
Working scheme of a fuel cell
Physical and chemical characteristics of the four components of a SOFC
For suitable performance, fuel cells must contain the following
High conversion efficiency
Environmental compatibility
Modularity
Sitting flexibility
Multifuel capability
Different applications of fuel cells; a) Fuel cell in the Toyota Mirai model and, b) a fuel cell for ships as part of a maritime project for the U.S. Department of Energy
More traditional techniques for production with ceramic materials include uniaxial and isostatic pressing, tape casting, slip casting, extrusion, and ceramic injection molding. 3D printing has been used in connection with ceramics and a variety of different projects around the world, to include the use of ceramic brick structures in architecture , porous ceramics with bioinspired materials , and establishing parameters in quality assurance .
Techniques such as powder bed binder jet/inkjet 3D printing are popular with the use of ceramics.
“It must be mentioned that although printed material in plaster-based printers is a ceramic material, if impregnated with and adhesive, it...
