Water-Based Cathode Inks

About

Solid oxide fuels cells (SOFCs) potentially offer an efficient, fuel flexible, low emission and relatively low cost means of producing electricity. One of the most popular methods for producing the cathode of the current generation of fuel cells involves the use of organic solvent based inks. Inks used in the manufacture of solid oxide fuel cells have some problems in use. They can be volatile so have a short usage life due to evaporation; many of the solvents used also pose a risk to workers unless handled carefully. Furthermore dip coating is difficult with highly volatile inks as surface drying occurs too quickly.   Our new Solution? A new, safer and potentially more efficient water based ink. Background Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are a growing market with a strong industrial focus driven by environmentally friendly energy generation research.  At present, various organic solvents are used for cathode inks; until now development of water-based cathode inks has been unsuccessful.  Current methods use organic solvents such as acetone, iso-propanol, methyl ethyl ketone and ethanol.  A water-based cathode ink offers several advantages as it is less volatile, this allows longer storage of the ink and allows dip-coating without surface drying. This water based system could also overcome the problems around handling solvents and potential environmental issues around using solvents Cells made with this new ink system, have outperformed previously-used acetone-based systems in laboratory conditions. Development of this technology may lead to easier manufacture of potentially better cells with decreased costs and increased availability. Commercial applications for power stacks include combined heat and power plants for homes and offices, stationary power generation and smaller mobile units for civil and military use.