Intermediate temperature micro-tubular SOFCs with enhanced performance and thermal stability

Anode supported intermediate temperature micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (MT-SOFCs) with the cell configuration of Ni-Sc2O3 stabilized ZrO2 (ScSZ)/ScSZ/(La0.75Sr0.25)0.95MnO3 (LSM)-Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC)-ScSZ have been fabricated by a combination of phase-inversion, dip-coating, co-sintering and impregnation method. Cross-sectional SEM images of the fabricated MT-SOFC reveal that the dense ScSZ electrolyte and porous ScSZ backbone in the anode and cathode formed together, and the stability test demonstrates that the fabricated MT-SOFCs have robust resistance to thermal cycling. Maximum power densities of 0.29, 0.40 and 0.52 W cm− 2 have been achieved at 550, 600 and 650 °C, respectively. The results indicate that the fabricated MT-SOFC has potential applications for portable power needs.