Improved ceramic anodes for SOFCs with modified electrode/electrolyte interface

The electrode performance of solid oxide fuel cell anode with Pd nanoparticles at the interface of ScYSZ electrolyte and Sr0.94Ti0.9Nb0.1O3 (STN) electrode introduced in the form of metal functional layer have been investigated at temperatures below 600 °C. A metal functional layer consisting of Pd was deposited by magnetron sputtering. Effecting from heat treatments, Pd nanoparticles with particle sizes in the range of 5–20 nm were distributed at the interface, and throughout the backbone. The polarization resistance of the modified STN reduced to 30 Ωcm2 at 600 °C, which is three times less than an unmodified STN backbone. In order to improve the anode performance further, Pd and Gd-doped CeO2 electrocatalysts were infiltrated into the STN backbone. The modified interface with Pd nanoparticles in combination with nanostructured electrocatalyst by infiltration resulted in polarisation resistances of 0.35 Ωcm2 at 600 °C in H2/3% H2O fuel.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Modification of electrode/electrolyte interface with a metal functional layer. ► Reduction in polarization resistance of strontium titanates based ceramic anodes with modification at the interface. ► Infiltration of Pd–CGO electrocatalysts. ► Anodes for low temperature (<600 °C) solid oxide fuel cells.