Solid oxide fuel cells as alternative energy source for sustainable development

Intermediate-temperature Solid Oxide fuel cells (ITSOFC) can be used as an alternative energy source due to their negligible waste production and high power efficiencies. Here, analysis of an electrolyte material Ce_0.8Gd_0.2O_1.9 (GDC20) is done. Five dense electrolyte samples are prepared at sintering temperatures of (1350, 1400, 1450, 1550 and 1600°C) were prepared and their properties like relative density, grain size and grain growth, ionic conductivity and power density were analyzed comparatively. Average density was found to be 89.93% and average grain size was in the range of 1.64μm-10.4μm.). Impedance result of all samples was examined at different temperatures (200°C-800°C) with frequency change from 1e⁷ hertz to 0.1 hertz for each working temperature. Exponential increase in ionic conductivity was observed in the temperature ranges of (500-800°C) for all five sample. Highest conductivity values were recorded for 1550°C sintered sample which was 8.479e^-6 S/m at 200°C and 10.159 S/m at 800°C. Excellent power densities of were observed respectively. The best conductivities and power values were obtained for the 1550°C sample in the temperature range 600-800°C. Ionic conductivity values were exponentially higher in the higher temperature regions for all samples. Conventional SOFCs have an average efficiency of 70% and the use of GDC can lower the operating temperature hence increasing its usage in mining engineering, high-altitude power generation and usage in any treacherous environment.