Fabrication and Electrochemical Performance of Anode-Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells by a Single-Step Cosintering Process.

Anode-supported cone-shaped tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are successfully fabricated by a single-step cosintering process. The cone-shaped tubular single cell, NiO+YSZ/YSZ/LSM+YSZ/LSM, is comprised of a Ni+yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) anode, YSZ electrolyte, a La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 (LSM)+YSZ cathode layer, and an LSM cathode current collector layer. The fabrication process involves slip casting of the anode, colloidal spray coating of the electrolyte, slurry coating of the cathode, and single-step cosintering of the cone-shaped tubular cells in the temperature range of 1200°–1400°C. The cells are tested with humidified hydrogen (75 mL/min) as fuel and ambient air as oxidant. Cell electrochemical test results and scanning electron microscope graphs show that the optimal temperature of the single-step cosintering process is 1300°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]