New intermediate temperature fuel cell with ultra-thin proton conductor electrolyte

A new approach for intermediate temperature fuel cells is tried and discussed in this paper. The essence of this new approach is an ultra-thin proton conductor coated on the solid metal anode. The BaCe0.8Y0.2O3 perovskite was chosen for the electrolyte material. The electrolyte layer, which is 0.7 μm in thickness, was coated on Pd film by pulse laser deposition. Test cells were operated from 400 to 600 °C. The open circuit voltages were close to theoretical value in all operating temperatures. The power density was 0.9 and 1.4 W cm−2 at the operating temperature of 400 and 600 °C. It is shown that this new type fuel cell is an attractive new technology not only for vehicle applications but also stationary applications.