Improved high-performance material for fuel cells

ThyssenKrupp VDM, together with the Jülich Research Center, has developed Crofer 22 H, an improved high-performance material for solid oxide fuel cells. In fuel cells, the high-performance material is used in the interconnects – plates that connect the individual cells into an efficient stack. For this use, the materials need to have specific electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance and mechanical strength. They must also have no adverse effects on the cell. Crofer 22 H meets all these very specific requirements. Its thermal expansion also matches that of the ceramic materials used in the cell, preventing mechanical stresses between the two materials that could damage the ceramics. In addition to mobile use as an auxiliary power source for cars, trucks, aircraft or ships, fuel cells using this new material may one day supply power to buildings or power plants.