Characterization of La0.995Ca0.005NbO4/Ni anode functional layer by electrophoretic deposition in a La0.995Ca0.005NbO4 electrolyte based PCFC

The Electrophoretic Deposition (EPD) technique has been applied to the preparation of a porous La0.995Ca0.005NbO4/Ni composite anode layer, deposited on a porous pre-sintered La0.995Ca0.005NbO4/Ni support. Powders of La0.995Ca0.005NbO4 and NiO were suspended in a solution of acetylacetone, iodine and water. Selectivity in the composition of the deposited layer was analyzed as a function of the suspension compositions and deposition conditions. A quasi-symmetrical cell was produced by depositing La0.995Ca0.005NbO4 electrolyte layer on the anode layer by EPD, and by applying a porous La0.995Ca0.005NbO4/Ni counter electrode on the dense electrolyte layer by brushing. The performance of the electrodes was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in 3% wet H2.

► Ca-doped LaNbO4 and NiO powders were co-deposited by electrophoretic deposition technique to produce an anode functional layer for PCFC applications.
► Analysis of selectivity induced by the deposition process on the composition of the deposited layer was performed.
► The electrochemical behavior of the anode layer was evaluated by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.