Plasma sprayed metal supported YSZ/Ni–LSGM–LSCF ITSOFC with nanostructured anode

• Published in: Journal of power sources Vol. 180; no. 1; pp. 132 - 142
• Main Authors: Hwang, Changsing, Tsai, Chun-Huang, Lo, Chih-Hung, Sun, Cha-Hong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 15.05.2008; Elsevier Sequoia
• Subjects: Anodes; Applied sciences; Cathodes; Cermets; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Lanthanum; Nanostructure; Nanostructured anode; Nickel; Phase boundaries; Solid oxide fuel cells; Thermal plasma spraying; Yttria stabilized zirconia; Solid oxide fuel cells; Nanostructured anode; Thermal plasma spraying; Gallates; Measurement; Power density; Scanning electron microscopy; Anode; Cathode; Pore structure; Nanostructure; Stabilized zirconia; Gallium Lanthanum Magnesium Strontium Oxides; Solid oxide fuel cell; Open circuit voltage; Cermet; Nickel; Oxidation; Porosity; X ray diffractometry; Impedance; Microstructure; Plasma spraying
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2008.01.075

Intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ITSOFCs) supported by a porous Ni-substrate and based on Sr and Mg doped lanthanum gallate (LSGM) electrolyte, lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (LSCF) cathode and nanostructured yttria stabilized zirconia–nickel (YSZ/Ni) cermet anode have been fabricated successfully by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS). From ac impedance analysis, the sprayed YSZ/Ni cermet anode with a novel nanostructure and advantageous triple phase boundaries after hydrogen reduction has a low resistance. It shows a good electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen oxidation reactions. The sprayed LSGM electrolyte with ∼60 μm in thickness and ∼0.054 S cm −1 conductivity at 800 °C shows a good gas tightness and gives an open circuit voltage (OCV) larger than 1 V. The sprayed LSCF cathode with ∼30 μm in thickness and ∼30% porosity has a minimum resistance after being heated at 1000 °C for 2 h. This cathode keeps right phase structure and good porous network microstructure for conducting electrons and negative oxygen ions. The APS sprayed cell after being heated at 1000 °C for 2 h has a minimum inherent resistance and achieves output power densities of ∼440 mW cm −2 at 800 °C, ∼275 mW cm −2 at 750 °C and ∼170 mW cm −2 at 700 °C. Results from SEM, XRD, ac impedance analysis and I– V– P measurements are presented here.