Ultra-fast and robust startup of a 0.5 W tubular solid oxide fuel cell without thermal insulation

This study presents a rapid-startup system integrating a Ru-coated cordierite monolithic catalyst with a 3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (3 YSZ) electrolyte-supported tubular SOFC. By dynamically modulating the C/O ratio (0.25 → 0.75), flameless catalytic partial oxidation (CPOX) was triggered without thermal insulation, enabling the SOFC to achieve ultra-fast startup within 20 s (open-circuit voltage:0.9 V), and providing a maximum output power of 0.5 W (corresponding to a power density of 65 mW cm⁻²). The system leverages the synergistic effects between the 3 YSZ tubular support structure and the unsealed terminal design, effectively mitigating mechanical failure risks during rapid thermal cycling. The superior anti-carbon deposition capability of sliver and gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) compared to Ni-YSZ allows it to sustain its performance with negligible attenuation while operating at a constant voltage of 0.7 V over 2 h. This technology addresses the synergistic challenges of rapid start-stop capability, efficient fuel utilization, and thermal shock resistance, providing an innovative collaborative solution for portable emergency power supply in special mission scenarios.