Thermally Robust Thin-Film SOFCs for Mobile Application

Metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell (MS-SOFC) is promising for use at intermediate temperature range (500-700°C) since metal could provide the good thermal conductivity and the mechanical strength in addition to the low cost. The MS-SOFCs are often fabricated by co-firing in reducing atmosphere to avoid metal oxidation. However, the inter-diffusion between Fe/Cr in stainless steel (STS) and Ni in the conventional cermet anode is detrimental to the electrochemical performance of the cell. In this study, a multi-layered cell consisting of a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte, and a porous anode layer, and a ferritic STS support, was fabricated using tape casting and co-firing process.

The cell with alternative anode was compared with that with conventional anode in terms of microstructure, Cr poisoning, and thus anodic performance. It was found that the use of diffusion barrier layer (DBL) reduces the reaction between conventional Ni-cermet anode and STS and provides a stable performance. The performance can be further enhanced with an alternative anode.