A novel method for preparing anode cermets for solid oxide fuel cells

Journal Article · Mon Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1999 · Journal of the Electrochemical Society

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1149/1.1392586· OSTI ID:20003934

Craciun, R; Park, S; Gorte, R J; Vohs, J M; Wang, C; Worrell, W L

A new method for fabrication of metal-cermet anodes in solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) has been developed. Highly porous, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) films were prepared using a mixture of zircon fibers (YSZp, Si-stabilized, and {lt}0.3% Si) and normal YSZ powders (YSZd). The films remained highly porous following calcination up to 1,550 C, after which either Cu or Ni could be incorporated by impregnation with the nitrate salts. For Cu cermets, the performance increased with metal loading to at least 40% Cu. At 800 C using H{sub 2} as the fuel and a 230 {micro}m, YSZ electrolyte, the current-voltage (I-V) curves for either a Cu- or Ni-cermet anode formed using this new method were found to be identical to the I-V curve for a Ni cermet formed using traditional methods. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the anode films remained porous even with addition of Cu, so that additional modification was possible. Tests of this concept through the addition of ceria by impregnation with the Ce(NO{sub 3}){sub 3} led to an additional increase in the cell performance.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA (US)
• OSTI ID: 20003934
• Journal Information: Journal of the Electrochemical Society, Journal Name: Journal of the Electrochemical Society Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 146; ISSN JESOAN; ISSN 0013-4651
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

30 DIRECT ENERGY CONVERSION
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
ANODES
CERIUM OXIDES
CERMETS
COPPER
FABRICATION
NICKEL
SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELLS
YTTRIUM OXIDES
ZIRCON
ZIRCONIUM OXIDES