Forged by fire, frozen for fuel: Thermal shock advances green energy
Researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio have developed a thermal shock technique to improve the efficiency of solid oxide fuel cells. By creating disordered atomic structures, they can lower the operating temperatures required for these green energy devices.
Why it matters
Lowering the operating temperature of fuel cells could make clean energy technology more commercially viable and durable for everyday use.
by Audrey Gray, University of Texas at San Antonio
edited by Swati Mestri , reviewed by Robert Egan
This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:
Add as preferred source Researchers use quenching, an approach borrowed from metallurgy, to rapidly cool materials and lock in atomic structures that can vastly upgrade the power and durability of fuel cells. Credit: University of Texas at San Antonio As the global push for cleaner energy intensifies, solid oxide fuel cells have emerged as a promising option. They turn hydrogen or other renewable fuels directly into electricity and heat without combustion, eliminating virtually all pollution and boosting efficiency to more than 60%. But a major downside has kept them out of everyday commercial use: They require extremely high temperatures to operate.
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