Development of Electrolyte Supported Cells Based on a Thin 3YSZ Substrate: Through Optimized Contact Layer to High Power Density

Development and progress in manufacturing of high power density electrolyte supported cell based on a thin (50 µm) 3YSZ substrate is presented. The cells with improved cathode based on LSMM’/ScSZ and the multilayer anode based on Ni/GDC cermet show very good electrochemical performance. The maximum power density increases up to 750 mW/cm2at 0.7V@860 °C for developed cell without additional contact layer and is greater than one of the commercial cells based on partially scandia stabilized zirconia electrolytes as well as 95µm 3YSZ. The changes in polarization resistance of tested cells under different operating conditions as well as during redox-cycling and durability tests were performed and are discussed on basis of analysis of impedance spectra. The developed cells show a good long-term stability (proved for >1300 h) under high current density (500mA/cm²@850°C, N2:H2:H2O=55:40:5, air). The estimated power degradation rate is below 0.5%/1000 h.