Development of micro-tubular SOFCs with an improved performance via nano-Ag impregnation for intermediate temperature operation

Micro-tubular solid-oxide fuel cell consisting of a 10-μm thick (ZrO2)0.89(Sc2O3)0.1(CeO2)0.01 (ScSZ) electrolyte on a support NiO/(ScSZ) anode (1.8 mm diameter, 200 μm wall thickness) with a Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 (GDC) buffer-layer and a La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF)/GDC functional cathode has been developed for intermediate temperature operation. The functional cathode was in situ formed by impregnating the well-dispersed nano-Ag particles into the porous LSCF/GDC layer using a citrate method. The cells yielded maximum power densities of 1.06 W cm−2 (1.43 A cm−2, 0.74 V), 0.98 W cm−2 (1.78 A cm−2, 0.55 V) and 0.49 W cm−2 (1.44 A cm−2, 0.34 V), at 650, 600 and 550 °C, respectively.