Characterization of planer cathode-supported SOFC prepared by a dual dry pressing method

Cathode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), comprising porous (La0.75Sr0.25)0.95MnO3−δ (LSM) + Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC) composite cathode substrate and 11 mol%Sc2O3-doped ZrO2 (ScSZ) electrolyte membranes layer, were successfully fabricated via dual dry pressing method. NiO-SDC anode was prepared by slurry coating method. Phase characterizations and microstructures of electrolyte and cathode were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). No interface reaction took place between LSM/SDC cathode substrate and ScSZ electrolyte layer after sintered at 1300 °C. The cell performances were measured at 800 and 750 °C, respectively, by changing the external load. The peak power densities were 0.228 and 0.133 W cm−2, and the corresponding open-circuit voltages of the cell were 1.092 and 1.027 V at 800 and 750 °C, respectively. Impedance analysis indicated that the performances of the SOFCs were determined essentially by the composition and microstructure of the electrode.

Research highlights
► Preparation of SOFCs.
► Research and development of new cell materials.
► Reaction mechanism of anode catalyst materials in hydrocarbon fuels.