Novel Co-precipitation method to synthesize NiO–YSZ nanocomposite powder for solid oxide fuel cell

• We proposed a facile synthetic route to NiO–YSZ nanocomposite particles by using the Zr carbonate complex.
• The interaction of anionic Zr carbonate complex with cationic Ni and Y ions achieved their uniform sedimentation.
• The total yield of the precipitates reached almost 100%.
• The particle size of composites was around 85 nm after calcined at 1000 °C.
• The resultant anode exhibited quite low area specific resistance due to its finer composite microstructure.

As the Ni composition, particle size and its homogeneous distribution in the SOFC anode of Ni-yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) composite are important factors in electrochemical performance, better control of the properties of NiO–YSZ nanocomposite particles as starting powder materials is essential for higher SOFC performance. In this study, their novel co-precipitation method was developed. It aimed the interaction of anionic Zr carbonate complex with cationic Ni and Y ions to achieve its uniform sedimentation. As a result, NiO–YSZ nanocomposite particles with their uniform size were successfully obtained at a facile condition with almost 100% yield. The Ni/YSZ anode was fabricated by screen-printing the paste made by the NiO–YSZ nanocomposite particles and its sintering at 1350 °C and subsequent reduction. The anode had a uniform porous structure consisting of fine grains in the range of 200–400 nm, and exhibited low polarization resistance of 0.62, 0.34 and 0.23 Ω cm2 at 700 °C, 750 °C and 800 °C, respectively.

SEM and TEM images of the synthesized NiO–YSZ nanocomposite powder fired at 1000 °C.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide