Nanocomposites for "nano green energy" applications

The efficient conversion of fuel's chemical energy into electricity in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), one of the promising candidates to replace the current combustion process, requires highly active cell components for quick charge transfer and reaction kinetics in the current low-temperature range. Operation at low temperatures enables the deployment of nanostructured materials, while the nanostructured cell components with improved electric properties further assist the reduction of the temperature for given power output. One of the major issues of the single-phase nanoparticle is its aggregation properties under harsh fuel-cell condition, which could be overcome or alleviated by the advanced approaches. Nanocomposite approach not only addresses the instability and some intrinsic issues with the single-phase materials but also brings the interesting synergetic electric properties with multifunctionality. We summarize the research activities in a range of nanocomposite materials in SOFCs in finding the positive roles to improve the cell components (anode, electrolyte, and cathode) electrochemical performances and cell efficiency for green energy applications.