Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

• The Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) uses a ceramic, solid-phase electrolyte which reduces corrosion considerations and eliminates the electrolyte management problems associated with the liquid electrolyte fuel cells.
  
  
• To achieve adequate ionic conductivity in such a ceramic, however, the system must operate at about 1000°C (1830°F).
  
  
• At that temperature, internal reforming of carbonaceous fuels should be possible, and the waste heat from such a device would be easily utilized by conventional thermal electricity generating plants to yield excellent fuel efficiency.