Electrolyte highway breakthrough unlocks affordable low-temperature hydrogen fuel

Researchers at Kyushu University in Japan have developed a novel solid-oxide fuel cell (SOFC) that operates at a significantly reduced temperature of 300℃ (500°F), compared to the conventional 700-800℃ (1292-1472°F). This breakthrough was achieved by re-engineering the fuel cell’s ceramic electrolyte, which transports protons to generate electricity. By doping barium stannate (BaSnO3) and barium titanate (BaTiO3) with high concentrations of scandium, the team created a “ScO₆ highway” — a wide, softly vibrating pathway that facilitates efficient proton movement without the typical trapping issues seen in heavily doped oxides. This innovation results in proton conductivity comparable to traditional SOFCs but at much lower temperatures, potentially reducing manufacturing costs and enabling more affordable, consumer-level hydrogen fuel cells. The implications of this advancement extend beyond SOFCs, offering a new design principle for creating efficient ion pathways in various energy technologies