Microchanneled anode supports of solid oxide fuel cells

• Microchanneled anodes were prepared by a mesh-assisted phase-inversion process.
• Microchannels crossing anode supports provide efficient gas diffusion pathways.
• The integrated structure is attractive as a porous support of SOFCs.

A novel anode with microchanneled structure has been prepared by a mesh-assisted phase-inversion process. The uniform microchannels templated by mesh apertures cross the anode, and act as efficient gas diffusion pathways, with one end open and the other end stopped with a less porous layer, which functions as a support for thin electrolyte film and provides anode reaction sites. The solid oxide fuel cell supported on the microchanneled anode produced the maximum power densities of 550, 772 and 936 mW/cm2 at 750, 800 and 850 °C respectively, and no concentration polarization was found, suggesting there is efficient gas diffusion within the anode support.

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