A novel water-based cathode ink formulation

A new cathode ink for a solid oxide fuel cell has been developed (patent pending: UK Patent Application Number 1107672.6). A novel, water-based formulation was created and tested against the standard, in-house, acetone-based ink recipe. Poly(N-VinylPyrrolidone) (PVP) was selected as a suitable dispersant and Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) (PVA) as the binder and a range of chain lengths and quantities was tested. The PVA content was adjusted to optimise adhesion of the two layers, as some delamination was observed with the first attempt. Various PVP chain lengths and quantities were tested to determine the effect on ink dispersion, and hence cathode structure and porosity. The electrical performance was tested and found to be favourably comparable with the in-house recipe, giving a marginally higher peak power density of 0.48 W/cm2.

► Reports development of a new, water-based cathode ink for solid oxide fuel cells. ► Exploits neutral dispersant: Poly(N-VinylPyrrolidone) – PVP. ► Gives high peak power (0.5 W/cm2 for the cells tested) and improved shelf-life. ► Patent pending: UK Patent Application Number 1107672.6.