Synthesis and characterization of nanocrystalline Ni–YSZ cermet anode for SOFC

Ni–YSZ cermet anode has been synthesized in one step using a simple and cost effective combustion synthesis process. The processed powder of NiO–YSZ is found to be nanocrystalline with crystallite sizes of 29 and 22 nm for NiO and YSZ respectively by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis also shows that the precursor salts are converted to highly crystalline phases of NiO and YSZ (8 mol% Y2O3) without any intermediate calcination step and no undesirable phases are present. Comparison with the X-ray diffraction pattern of a commercial YSZ sample shows that the process is also effective in maintaining a close compositional control. The microstructure of the sintered and reduced sample shows a well defined network of pores which is necessary for the effective functioning of the anode. The electrical conductivity as a function of temperature shows metallic behavior.