The cathode and anode inks are formulated with viscosities and surface areas ideal for screen-printing electrodes onto the electrolyte layer of ceramic devices. The viscosities can be altered through dilution for use with other methods of applying the materials. The range of inks offer developers flexibility to rapidly reformulate and develop cathode, anode, or electrolyte supported cells.
The aqueous YSZ spray-coating electrolyte is a patent-pending suspension ideally formulated for ultrasonic spray coating thin film layers of electrolyte onto anode or cathode supported cells. These have been applied to planar and tubular cells with minimal overspray. The spray coating offers the advantages of nanoscale YSZ, notably reduced sintering temperature, while maximizing the quality and performance of the thin electrolyte formed.
Composite cathodes based
on mixtures of electrolyte and electrode materials have been shown to improve
electrode performance at lower temperatures by increasing the volume of
the active sites available for electrochemical reactions. NexTech’s patent-pending
processes ensure optimized dispersion of the electrolyte and cathode phases,
which is the critical factor affecting performance.
The inks, coatings and composite
cathodes compliment the advanced SOFC materials already
commercialized by NexTech,
which include specialty anode compositions and nanoscale electrolytes.
NexTech is developing methods
for low temperature fabrication of planar and tubular cell elements using
its advanced materials and is in the process of scaling up its capacity
to produce cells and materials to meet the growing needs of fuel cell integrators.
Dawson and co-founder Dr. Scott Swartz started NexTech in 1994. Since its
beginning, NexTech has focused on development and commercialization of
advanced materials based on its ceramic processing and manufacturing technologies.
In the last few years, much of the research and development effort at NexTech
has focused on fuel cell technology. Fuel cells have become a leading technology
for clean,
energy efficient supply
of energy for automotive, stationary and portable power applications.
NexTech’s staff is focused primarily on fuel cell technologies to supply reliable power to residences and businesses, although they are also delving into battery replacement technology and automotive power systems.
NexTech Materials, Ltd. is a leading developer and supplier of materials for the fuel cell industry and is dedicated to producing materials that reduce the manufacturing and operating costs of fuel cells. NexTech’s customers are located in over 20 countries and include leading researchers, developers and manufacturers throughout the world. NexTech Materials, Ltd. was founded as a privately held company in 1994 and has grown by 35% per year on average.
For additional information about NexTech Materials, Ltd., please call (614) 842-6606 or visit our web site http://www.nextechmaterials.com.
Contact: Jon Foreman at
(614) 842-6606, x-110, e-mail foreman@nextechmaterials.
