Fuel cell and method for producing electrolyte membrane for fuel cell

Abstract

The object of the present invention is to provide an electrolyte layer in the form of a thin film in a solid oxide fuel cell. A solid oxide fuel cell comprises an electrolyte layer (110) formed as a film on the surface of a hydrogen separation metal layer (120). The solid oxide fuel cell also comprises a mechanism for preventing separation between the hydrogen separation metal layer (120) and the electrolyte layer (110) which is ascribable to expansion of the hydrogen separation metal layer (120) during when hydrogen permeates therethrough. As such a separation preventing mechanism, there can be applied a structure for suppressing expansion of the hydrogen separation metal layer (120) or a structure wherein the electrolyte layer is divided for relieving stress caused by expansion. By having such a constitution, the electrolyte layer can have the form of a sufficiently thin film.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a fuel cell using an electrolyte membrane provided with a hydrogen-permeable metal layer. Background technique [0002] In recent years, fuel cells that generate electricity by utilizing the electrochemical reaction of hydrogen and air have attracted attention as an energy source. Among fuel cells, those using a solid electrolyte membrane include high-temperature fuel cells such as solid oxide type. [0003] A solid oxide fuel cell uses a thin film of an inorganic substance other than zirconia for an electrolyte membrane sandwiched between electrodes. Since the membrane resistance of the electrolyte membrane tends to increase as the temperature decreases, it is necessary to operate the membrane at a relatively high temperature in order to control the membrane resistance within a practical range. [0004] In a solid oxide fuel cell, although the membrane resistance can be reduced by reducing the membrane thickness of t...

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Problems solved by technology

[0004] In a solid oxidation fuel cell, although the membrane resistance can be reduced by reducing the thickness of the electrolyte membrane, it is very difficult to form a dense thin film on the electrode formed of a porous material, and the thin film cannot be fully realized.

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