An electrolyte-free fuel cell constructed from one homogenous layer with mixed conductivity

Rather than using three layers, including an electrolyte, a working fuel cell is created that employs only one homogenous layer with mixed conductivity. The layer is a composite made from a mixture of metal oxide, Li _0.15Ni_0.45Zn_0.4 oxide, and an ionic conductor; ion-doped ceria. The single-component layer has a total conductivity of 0.1-1 S cm^-1 and exhibits both ionic and semiconducting properties. This homogenous one-layer device has a power output of more than 600 mW cm ^-2 at 550 °C operating with H₂ and air. Overall conversion is completed in a similar way to a traditional fuel cell, even though the device does not include the electrolyte layer critical for traditional fuel-cell technologies using the three-component anode-electrolyte-cathode structure. A break through for fuel-cell research based on new principles. Fuel cells are traditionally based on a three-layer configuration; anode, electrolyte, and cathode, and this leads to a complex structure, not least since the three layers have to be chemically stable and mutually compatible. A new electrolyte-free, single-layer fuel cell represents a radically new approach to fuel-cell research and design. This approach will lead to simpler construction and improved cost-efficiency, and open up new opportunities for fuel cells.