Effect of composition on microstructure and polarization resistance of solid oxide fuel cell anode Ni-YSZ composites made by co-precipitation

Highly dispersed composite powders of NiO and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were synthesized through a newly developed co-precipitation method, using an organic base solution that contains an anionic zirconium carbonate complex. It was found that a wide variation in composition can be achieved in this way. Subsequent investigation of the effect of composition on microstructure and polarization resistance of sintered Ni–YSZ anodes revealed a significant variation in microstructure and polarization resistance. An Ni content of 40% by volume produces the finest and most uniformly porous anode structure with the lowest polarization resistance of approximately 0.18 Ω cm2 at 800 °C in a 97% H2+3% H2O atmosphere.