Agglomeration behavior of nickel particles on YSZ electrolyte

► Nickel agglomeration on YSZ electrolyte is experimentally examined by SEM and by SPM. ► The 3D analysis can demonstrate the nickel particle size effect on the agglomeration. ► Nickel agglomeration behavior is influenced by dopant metal oxides of YSZ. ► Nickel agglomeration was enhanced in the following order; Ti-8YSZ < 8YSZ < Ni-8YSZ.