An ultra-fast fabrication technique for anode support solid oxide fuel cells by microwave

An effective and facile technique has been developed for high temperature anode-electrolyte co-sintering of anode support solid oxide fuel cells by using microwave activated sparking plasma. A high sintering temperature of 1600 °C can be achieved in a few minutes time by discharging effect. Anode support substrate pellet is uniaxially pressed, and then dip-coated with a 10 μm yttria stabilized zirconia electrolyte layer. After the microwave co-sintering, La0.8Sr0.2MnOx cathode is screen-printed onto electrolyte and sintered by conventional thermal method. The cell has stably operated in 3% humidified hydrogen for more than 130 h.

► An effective and facile technique has been developed for high temperature anode-electrolyte co-sintering of anode support solid oxide fuel cells in microwave.
► A very high temperature, as high as 1600 °C, can be achieved in an ultra-short time. Much higher than the other microwave sintering method.
► The SOFC fabricated can be stably operated at 800 °C for more than 130 h without degradation.