Characterization of IT-SOFC non-symmetrical anode sintered through conventional furnace and microwave

This work investigated the mechanical and electrical properties of NiO–SDC/SDC anode sintered by two different methods: in a microwave at about 1200 °C for 1 h and in a conventional furnace at 1200 °C with a holding time of 1 h (total sintering time of 21 h). Nano-powders Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC) and NiO were mixed using a high-energy ball mill, followed by the co-pressing technique at a compaction pressure of 400 MPa. No binder was used between the layers. The electrical behaviors of all sintered samples were studied using electrochemical impedance spectra in the frequency range of 0.01–105 Hz under 97% H2–3% H2O, an amplitude of 10 mV, and at high temperature range of 600–800 °C. Results indicate that the non-symmetrical NiO–SDC/SDC anode achieved through microwave sintering has finer grain size and higher electrochemical performance. However, hardness and Young׳s modulus increased in the samples sintered through a conventional furnace.