Improving Single-Chamber Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance by Plasma Treatment Using an Atmospheric-Pressure Helium Plasma Jet

Abstract

An atmospheric-pressure helium plasma jet was used for the surface treatment of the electrodes in single-chamber solid oxide fuel cells (SC-SOFCs). The jet-type plasma source used in this study is suitable for the continuous and fine-area processing of materials, such as patterned electrodes. The basic plasma property was investigated by optical emission spectroscopy. Improvement in the performance of SC-SOFC was observed for the plasma-treated cell. From the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, it was found that the surface morphology of the cell was largely changed. The increase in the area of the three-phase boundary among the electrode, electrolyte, and gas phase promoted electrochemical reactions. Under single-chamber operation condition at 850 °C, an open circuit voltage of 650 mV and a maximum power density of approximately 75 mW/cm2 were achieved for a coplanar-type cell.