Paper Published on New "High Conductivity" Material for Fuel Cells

Researchers at the Universidad Complutense de Madrid (UCM) and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory have published a paper in the Journal Science on a new "super-lattice" material with incredibly high ion conductivity properties that the scientists say could lead to more efficient fuel cells.  The material, produced at UCM, maintains ionic conductivity near room temperatures. The material was created by alternating layers of an ion conductive material that is currently used in fuel cells (Yttria-stabilized zirconia) with a dielectric material (Strontium titanate). The combination of these two materials with very diverse crystalline structures has produced a rare atomic disposition full of gaps that act as a path for the flow of ions. This results in a ‘colossal ionic conductivity’ at the transition surface between the two materials at room temperature, according to the researchers.

Source: Fuel Cell Today