In this study, we employed an infiltration technique to create a nanostructured functional layer, enhancing the electrochemically active area in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). We infiltrated Pr₂NiO_4+δ (PNO) into a porous GDC electrolyte, resulting in a nanostructured catalytic layer. We characterized its microstructure and cross-sectional morphology using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The electrochemical performance was assessed at 750°C with a NiO-YSZ/YSZ/GDC half-cell configuration. The reference cell without PNO infiltration achieved a maximum power density of 2.07 W/cm², while the cell with 0.05 M PNO infiltration reached an improved value of 2.55 W/cm². These results demonstrate that by optimizing the infiltration concentration of PNO, we can fabricate a high-performance nanostructured functional layer without adding extra thickness, confirming infiltration as an effective strategy for enhancing SOFC performance.

In this study, we developed a composite anode support composed of La-doped SrTiO₃ (LST) and Gd-doped CeO₂ (GDC) using a tape casting process for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). By adjusting the pore former content in the slurry, we constructed a bilayered structure consisting of a porous anode support layer (ASL) and a dense anode functional layer (AFL) with the same material composition. The number of tape-cast sheets was controlled to tailor the overall thickness, and lamination followed by co-sintering at 1250^oC resulted in a mechanically robust bilayer. We characterized the microstructural evolution concerning sintering temperature and pore former content using SEM, while XRD confirmed the phase stability of LST and GDC. The measured electrical conductivity at 750^oC ensured sufficient electron transport. To enhance interfacial adhesion and suppress secondary phase formation, we introduced a GDC buffer layer and a pre-sintering treatment prior to electrolyte deposition. A full cell with a YSZ electrolyte and LSCF cathode achieved a stable open circuit voltage of approximately 0.7 V and demonstrated continuous operation at 750^oC. These findings highlight the suitability of LST-GDC composite anodes as thermochemically stable supports, potentially enabling direct hydrocarbon utilization in intermediate-temperature SOFCs.

Propulsion motors are vital components in marine propulsion systems and industrial machinery, where high torque and operational reliability are paramount. During operation, high-power propulsion motors generate considerable heat, which can adversely affect efficiency, durability, and stability. Therefore, an effective thermal management system is necessary to maintain optimal performance and ensure long-term reliability. Cooling technologies, such as water jackets, are commonly employed to regulate temperature distribution, prevent localized overheating, and preserve insulation integrity under high-power conditions. This paper examines the cooling performance of water jackets for high-power propulsion motors through numerical analysis. We evaluated the effects of three different cooling pipe locations and varying coolant flow rates on thermal balance and cooling efficiency. Additionally, we analyzed temperature variations in the windings and key heat-generating components to determine if a specific cooling flow rate and pipe configuration can effectively keep the winding insulation (Class H) within its 180^oC limit. The findings of this study highlight the significance of optimized cooling system design and contribute to the development of efficient thermal management technologies, ultimately enhancing motor reliability, operational stability, and energy efficiency.

In this paper, we propose a novel method for controlling the anisotropic sliding behavior of droplets using multiscale hierarchical structures. First, we employed a silicon wafer mold containing micro-pillars and directional micro-line structures to induce the directional sliding of droplets. Additionally, we fabricated micro-cone patterns and integrated them into the structures to precisely control droplet movement. These two structures were replicated in polymer and subsequently fused into a single multiscale hierarchical mold through a partial curing process. The completed multiscale hierarchical surface was then replicated with PDMS to create anisotropy that governs the direction of droplet movement. We experimentally confirmed that the degree of sliding is influenced by the cone pattern. Our proposed structural design demonstrates that anisotropic wettability control is achievable even on surfaces made from a single material, indicating potential applications in various fields such as microfluidics, sensors, and functional surfaces.

This study quantitatively examines the impact of ultraviolet (UV) intensity and energy on the formation of high aspect ratio (HAR) microstructures using the Self-Propagating Photopolymer Waveguide (SPPW) process. This mechanism relies on the self-focusing of UV light within a refractive index gradient, allowing the light to propagate and polymerize vertically beyond the initial exposure zone. Experiments were performed at UV intensities of 7.5, 12.5, and 17.5 mW/cm², with energy levels ranging from 0.0375 to 13.5 J/cm². The results indicated that a lower UV intensity of 7.5 mW/cm² produced uniform and vertically elongated structures, achieving a maximum aspect ratio of 12.26 at 0.9 J/cm². In contrast, higher UV intensities led to lateral over-curing, base expansion, and shape distortion, primarily due to rapid polymerization and the oxygen inhibition effect. These findings emphasize the importance of precisely controlling both UV intensity and energy to produce uniform, vertically aligned HAR microstructures, offering valuable insights for optimizing the SPPW process in future microfabrication applications.