Ni/YSZ pattern anodes fabrication and their microstructure and electrochemical behavior changes in H2-H2O environments

► Ni/YSZ pattern anodes were fabricated by a bi-layer lift-off method. ► Ni thickness, temperature, and H2O content affect Ni pattern microstructure. ► High H2O content leads to fast degradation of the pattern anode above 700 °C. ► The cell can be pre-treated in H2 at 750 or 800 °C to accelerate its stabilization.