Highly dispersed anodes for solid oxide fuel cells using NiO/YSZ/BZY triple-phase composite powders prepared by spray pyrolysis

NiO/Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ)/Y-doped BaZrO3 (BZY) triple-phase composite powders were prepared by spray pyrolysis and evaluated for Ni/YSZ/BZY cermet anodes, which are considered effective for dry CH4 operation in solid oxide fuel cells. The structure of the particles in these powders was fine crystal fragments, and the individual material phases were clearly separated and highly dispersed within the particles. The Ni/YSZ/BZY cermet anodes fabricated with these composite powders maintained a fine electrode microstructure equivalent to that in a simple Ni/YSZ cermet anode manufactured using a composite powder prepared by spray pyrolysis. Furthermore, the addition of BZY improved the anode performance in humidified H2 and dry CH4 operation.

Research Highlights
► NiO/YSZ/BZY triple-phase composite powders were prepared by spray pyrolysis.
► The structure of the particles is fine crystal fragments.
► Individual materials are clearly separated and well dispersed in the particles.
► Anodes fabricated with these composite powders show a fine microstructure.
► Ni/YSZ/BZY anodes show excellent performance in humidified H2 and dry CH4.