Cu-CeO2 anodes for solid oxide fuel cells: Determination of infiltration characteristics

In this work, the optimum compositions for a Cu-CeO2-YSZ anode were introduced as a solid oxide fuel cell anode structure. The minimum Cu content, a suitable infiltration technique and the optimum CeO2 amounts were determined. The continuum percolation limit of metallic Cu was demonstrated to be 30% by mass in the YSZ matrix. The simultaneous and sequential impregnation of Cu and CeO2 salt solutions was investigated using XRD and SEM techniques. It was concluded that the phase distribution in the YSZ scaffold was more efficient and that there was no chemical interaction between Cu and CeO2 during the co-calcination process with simultaneous infiltration. The OCV values of the cells increased greatly with 5%, 10% and 20% CeO2 content. On the other hand, over this loading, the OCV values were approximately 920 mV for increasing amounts of CeO2. The current-voltage measurements showed that up to Cu/CeO2 at 70/30, the electrochemical performance of the cell increased and then decreased for 60/40. The corresponding optimal Cu/CeO2 loading was investigated using single cell I-V characterization, and a 35% Cu-15% CeO2-50% YSZ cermet structure is the proposed ideal cell composition.