Boosting intermediate temperature performance of solid oxide fuel cells via a tri‐layer ceria–zirconia–ceria electrolyte

Abstract

Using cost‐effective fabrication methods to manufacture a high‐performance solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is helpful to enhance the commercial viability. Here, we report an anode‐supported SOFC with a three‐layer Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 (gadolinia‐doped‐ceria [GDC])/Y0.148Zr0.852O1.926 (8YSZ)/GDC electrolyte system. The first dense GDC electrolyte is fabricated by co‐sintering a thin, screen‐printed GDC layer with the anode support (NiO–8YSZ substrate and NiO–GDC anode) at 1400°C for 5 h. Subsequently, two electrolyte layers are deposited via physical vapor deposition. The total electrolyte thickness is less than 5 μm in an area of 5 × 5 cm2, enabling an area‐specific ohmic resistance as low as 0.125 Ω cm−2 at 500°C (under open circuit voltage), and contributing to a power density as high as 1.2 W cm−2 at 650°C (at an operating cell voltage of 0.7 V, using humidified [10 vol.% H2O] H2 as fuel and air as oxidant). This work provides an effective strategy and shows the great potential of using GDC as an electrolyte for high‐performance SOFC at intermediate temperature.

Experimental Investigation of Naphthalene Induced Degradation of Reversible Solid Oxide Cells Operated on Bio-Syngas

“…The detailed process is described elsewhere. 45 For the Ni-GDC electrode FESC, the process by Zhang et al 42 is used. All screen-printing pastes were synthesized by mixing the ceramic powder with terpineol to form a pre-suspension, then adding a transport agent consisting of ethyl cellulose dissolved in terpineol.…”

“…41 Recently, the first prototypes of this cell have been developed and tested. 42 Reversible operation of solid oxide cells' can reduce their degradation under a regular operation without impurities. 43 Concerning the degradations induced by impurities in electrolyzer mode, the current research has not focused on tars yet.…”

Solid oxide electrolysis cells – current material development and industrial application

“…If a GDC electrolyte is used, an additional very thin YSZ electron blocking layer must be applied (e.g., by vapor deposition or electrophoretic deposition) to suppress electron leakage. 109 Alternative electrolyte materials are still in the research and development phase, including the rst single-cell tests.…”

“…, by vapor deposition or electrophoretic deposition) to suppress electron leakage. 109 Alternative electrolyte materials are still in the research and development phase, including the first single-cell tests.…”

“…259 Lower operating temperatures (<700 °C) in fuel cell mode with LSCF oxygen electrodes require thinner barrier layers applied by, for example, PVD or sol–gel technology. 109,260…”