Synthesis of Ceramic Nanometric electrocatalysts

The technological processes and devices, that are necessary to operationalize the new energetic alternatives in order to guarantee the non-polluting perennial supply of energy in view of the increase demands of our society, are strongly dependent on the development of new materials [1]. In special, the use of hydrogen energy requires the adequate performance of fuel cells, which makes the efficient conversion of a fuel’s chemical energy into electric energy and heat. Among the various types already invented, solid oxide fuel cells – SOFC – are particularly attractive, because of their elevated operation temperature, with ample liberation of superheated water vapor due to exothermic electrochemical reactions, presenting great industrial interests. An unusual additional advantage is related to the innovation concerning the fact that the generation of electric energy becomes a high-aggregated value subproduct within a process in which the main objective is the electrochemical conversion of methane into C2-type hydrocarbons, such as ethylene and ethane [2]. Whether for its conventional use of electric energy and heat generation [3] or even to work in a reversible way for the production of hydrogen by electrolysis [4]; whether for use as a reactor for the electrochemical conversion of methane [2] or even to guarantee the direct utilization of carbonaceous fuels [5,6], the fabrication process of innovative solid oxide fuel cells begins with the synthesis of electrocatalysts used to make their electrodes, specially the anode. The SOFC anodes that are made with simultaneous and differentiated working objectives are appropriately denominated multifunctional anodes. The challenges, in this case, are multiple and include, at least: