Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)
H2 + ½O2 → H2O
Overview
SOFCs operate at 600–1000°C using a solid ceramic oxide electrolyte that conducts O²⁻ ions. Oxygen is reduced at the cathode and transported through the electrolyte to oxidize hydrogen (or hydrocarbon fuel) at the anode. Efficiency reaches 60% electrical, or 85%+ in combined heat and power mode. SOFCs can run on natural gas directly.
Participants
| Role | Substance | Coefficient | State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Product | Water H₂O | 1 | (g) |
Everyday Example
Bloom Energy boxes (solid oxide fuel cells) power data centers for companies like Apple, Google, and Walmart.
Industrial Importance
SOFCs are deployed for stationary power generation in data centers, hospitals, and industrial facilities. They can also operate in reverse as electrolyzers.
Properties
- Type
- Electrochemical
- Reversible
- Yes
- Energy
- Exothermic
- ΔH
- -286.0 kJ/mol
- Catalyst
- Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)
Related Reactions
Alkaline Battery Discharge
Anodizing of Aluminum
Cathodic Protection (Zinc Sacrificial Anode)
Chlor-Alkali Electrolysis
Chrome Electroplating
Copper Electroplating
Daniell Cell (Zinc-Copper Galvanic Cell)
Electrochemical CO₂ Reduction to CO
Electrochemical Machining (ECM)
Electrolysis of Molten NaCl (Downs Process)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the equation for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)?
The balanced equation is: H₂ + ½O₂ → H₂O.
What type of reaction is Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)?
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) is a electrochemical reaction. It is reversible under certain conditions.
Is Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) exothermic or endothermic?
Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) is exothermic (releases energy). The enthalpy change (ΔH) is -286.0 kJ/mol.
What conditions are needed for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC)?
This reaction requires a catalyst (Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)).