H.C. Starck will partner with
Kerafol in manufacturing, sales and distribution of high-temperature
solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) doped with scandium. The new SOFC
innovation will be the first high-output, scandium-doped cell ever, and
will originate in Europe.
Scandium-doped solid oxide fuel cells
have the highest output potential of all electrolyte-supported fuel
cells (ESC) due to the highly conductive nature of the scandium-doped
zirconia used in the fuel cells.
The new partnership between H.C.
Starck and Kerafol presents the opportunity for synergies that will be a
benefit to both companies. Kerafol will offer its specialized knowledge
of scandium-doped electrolytes, while H.C. Starck will bring expertise
in electrode manufacturing to the joint business venture.
The new cells allow the possibility
to manufacture SOFC stacks and systems with outstanding performance and a
longer service life. Scandium-doped cells work well with
interconnectors containing a high level of chromium (CrFe5). The cell
will be identified as ESC 10, and will be available on the market
immediately.
"I am extremely pleased that thanks
to H.C. Starck and Kerafol bundling their fuel cell expertise, we were
able to develop this new, promising fuel cell product in such a short
period of time," says Dr. Andreas Sieverdingbeck, President of H.C.
Starck Ceramics GmbH & Co. KG. "Each company's range of competencies
complements the other perfectly."
Mr. Franz Koppe, President and Owner
of Kerafol - Keramische Folien GmbH says: "The results of our
jointly-developed ESC cell were excellent, and as a result we can
manufacture cells with significantly improved performance
characteristics at market-friendly rates. Together we are strong."