Influence of pore formers on slurry composition and microstructure of tape cast supporting anodes for SOFCs

Nickel–yttria stabilized zirconia cermet (Ni/YSZ) is the most common material for supporting anodes in fuel cells applications. The microstructure of this element is crucial for the performances of the entire fuel cell. For this reason, four different pore formers (graphite, carbon black, rice starch, potato starch) and a surplus of organic binder were considered for its optimization. Their influence on the amount of porosity and on the pore dimensions and shape as well as the effect on the composition of the tape casting slurry was analysed. The study allowed identifying rice starch and carbon black as the most promising pore formers for the production of large area (10 cm × 10 cm) supporting anodes for SOFC application.