Some comments to Nano energy from Prof. Zhu

source：Bin zhu　　clicks：　　pubdate：2018-09-02

great contribution! wide bandgap oxide including insulators to extend our understanding on single layer fuel cells (SLFCs) and semiconductor-ionic fuel cells (SIFCs). As a fact, many kinds of oxides that not reported by SOFCs, have been and also will be explored to develop SLFCs. The work presents a comprehensive understanding and link between SLFCs and SIFCs. We may notice that the clear difference between SIFC three layers device and conventional anode, electrolyte and cathode fuel cell is that the mixed e-i conduction is allowed in the SIFC membrane layer acting as the conventional fuel cell electrolyte layer. This maintained electron conduction is actually an interesting scientific aspect on SIM (semiconductor-ionic material) which can significantly enhance ionic conductivity, so called e-i coupling effect; in the same time this electronic conduction should be constrained inside the SIM membrane not crossing over the device. Therefore, most SIFCs function based on Schottkey junction principle, i.e. on electrode (anode)/membrane interface. Moreover, in addition to meet general SOFC HOR and ORR advanced requests as discussed, the scientific principle behind the SLFCs and SIFCs is the band structures and alignments (Zhu et al, Nano energy, 2016), which widely function in both research and development on SIMs and SLFC/SIFC devices. The materials cover widely Semiconductor materials and various heterostructure materials (S-ionic, S-insul, S-S further involving n-n, p-p, p-n, pnp, npn so on) composites. The device can involve various junctions' principles. Sincerely hope and encourage more on continuous research on band theories designs and band engineering (doping, surface induced states and engineering, interface engineering heterostructures, Strain-induced band-gap engineering, build-in field constructions, band alignment, offset, quantum dot etc etc.).