PHOTO-ACTIVATION OF SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS AND GAS SEPARATION DEVICES

摘要

In various aspects, provided are methods for: (a) improving oxygen incorporation in a solid oxide layer less than about 1000 nm thick; (b) extending the on-set of mixed conduction in a solid oxide layer less than about 1000 nm thick; (c) modulating the electrical conductivity of oxide ion conducting layer less than about 1000 nm thick; (d) decreasing the conductivity of an oxide ion conducting layer less than about 1000 nm thick; (e) improving the performance of a solid oxide fuel cell; and (f) improving the performance of a gas separation device. In various embodiments, the methods comprise exposing oxygen to light having one or more wavelengths in the range between about 100 nm to about 365 nm and contacting the layer with the oxygen so exposed. In various embodiments, the methods provide the potential for tailoring the surface catalytic activity of oxygen-ion and mixed conductors used in various solid-state devices.