Redox stable Ni–YSZ anode support in solid oxide fuel cell stack configuration

State-of-the-art nickel-based SOFC anode-supported cells are highly sensitive to reoxidation of the metal phase at the temperature of utilization. This work presents results on redox stable nickel–YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia) anode-supported cells, for both smaller and larger scale cells. A 55 cm2 cell was mounted in a SOFC stack repeat element and tested over 40 full redox cycles. Performances and electrochemical impedance results of the repeat element are compared to the smaller sized cells of similar anode support structure.

Research highlights▶ Ni–YSZ anode support with optimized redox microstructure. ▶ A cell of 55 cm2 withstood 40 full redox cycles in stack configuration. ▶ No power degradation and only 0.1% OCV degradation per redox cycle. ▶ Redox cycles induce stable internal porosity in the nickel phase.