Engineering Commons^™

Experimental Investigation Of Surface Resistivity Of Yttrium Stabilized Zirconium As A Thin Film, Matthew J. Melfi

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells are devices that use electrochemical reactions to convert chemical energy from fuel to electricity. In comparison with coal power plants, a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, produces a higher electrical conversion efficiency. However, at higher temperatures (1000°C) it creates a lower ionic conductivity, which limit the Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. When lowering the temperature, the ohmic resistance increases. In our research, an Yttrium Stabilized Zirconium layer will be produced from a fine dimple grain structure allowing high flow of oxygen mobility. This mobility increases ionic conductivity and decrease ohmic loss. The goal of our research is first …