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Handbook of Sol-Gel Science and Technology pp 1–21Cite as

Sol–Gel Processing for Battery and Fuel Cell Applications

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Abstract

Fuel cells are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel and oxidant directly to electrical energy. Three types of fuel cells are (a) proton-exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), (b) molten carbonate fuel cells (MCFCs), and (c) solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In each case, there is a role for sol–gel processing. In the case of PEMFC, sol–gel modifications to the membrane are designed to increase the operating temperature. In the case of MCFC, sol–gel corrosion barriers extend the lifetime of the current collector. Finally, sol–gel processing is being used to assemble the electrolyte and electrode layers in SOFC and related oxygen-generating devices. Examples are given for the application of sol–gel processing in each system, pointing out the derived benefits and areas for further development.

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Acknowledgments

The following coworkers are thanked for their many contributions to the experimental work: Josh Finch, Lawrence Tache, and Mathieu Bervas.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Materials Science & Engineering, Rutgers University, 607 Taylor Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854-8065, USA

    L. C. Klein

  2. Instituto de Cerámica y Vidrio, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Kelsen 5 (Campus de Cantoblanco), 28049, Madrid, Spain

    M. Aparicio

  3. Laboratoire Leon Brillouin, CEA-Saclay Bat. 563, 91191, Cedex, Gif-sur-Yvette, France

    F. Damay

Authors
  1. L. C. Klein
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  2. M. Aparicio
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Correspondence to L. C. Klein .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA

    Lisa Klein

  2. Madrid, Spain

    Mario Aparicio

  3. City University of New York, New York, USA

    Andrei Jitianu

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Klein, L.C., Aparicio, M., Damay, F. (2016). Sol–Gel Processing for Battery and Fuel Cell Applications. In: Klein, L., Aparicio, M., Jitianu, A. (eds) Handbook of Sol-Gel Science and Technology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19454-7_66-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-19454-7_66-1

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  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-19454-7

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