Nano-granulization of gadolinia-doped ceria electrolyte surface by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

We have fabricated nano-scale gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) at the electrode-electrolyte boundary by aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition (AACVD) for high-performance solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) working at low temperatures below 500 °C. In AACVD, temperature is the key factor affecting the grain size. We have confirmed that by nano-granulizing the electrolyte surface using optimized AACVD, the power output of the SOFC is 50% higher than that of the bare GDC SOFC. From the impedance analysis, significant enhancement of the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction is identified from the AACVD-GDC nano-grain surface treatment.