Environmental evaluation of thick film ceramic fabrication techniques for solid oxide fuel cells

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) offer many advantages over conventional methods of electrical generation including higher efficiencies and lower emissions. The environmental benefits of the use phase of SOFCs have been extensively reported but it is important that the total environmental burden is evaluated. This is done by adopting a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) approach. An essential element of the LCA of SOFCs is the fabrication stage. This paper describes the environmental impact of six SOFC fabrication methods;: screen-printing, slurry spraying, tape casting, calendering, electrochemical vapor deposition and physical vapor deposition.