The fabrication of tubular solid oxide fuels cells with small particle clusters smaller than 1 micrometer is described above. The fabrication of a fibrous composite substrate for fuel cells is another interesting innovation of this group. The design of a particle nano-indentation apparatus using the atomic force microscope should be of use to most experimenters. Prof. Kendall's group determined that dilute suspensions for particle studies can result in mis-leading conclusions, thus, dense suspension should be examined. The tubular solid oxide fuel cells are being developed to produce high strength, economical, small components for local distributed power sources.
Fuel cells are much less polluting than diesel or gas powered systems.
The tubular design allows for more area per linear length which leads to more power and smaller overall sizes. Prof. Kendall sees this as a future product which will satisfy a niche for small power users. Thus, this technology will probably be accepted easier in Europe. In addition to the tubular design for solid oxide fuel cells, this research group is working on planar cells, as well. One set of planar cells of bulk material is used in electrode studies.