Fabrication and characterization of GDC electrolyte/electrode integral SOFC with BaO/Ni-GDC anode

•BaO was introduced into the Ni-GDC anode of integral SOFC.•BaO/Ni-GDC has higher coking resistance and lower polarization than Ni-GDC.•The maximum power density of SOFC with BaO/Ni-GDC anode at 750 °C is 824 mW cm−2.

In order to overcome the problem of carbon deposition and reduce the operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), GDC electrolyte/electrode integral SOFC with BaO/Ni-GDC anode was fabricated by multilayer co-tape casting combined with impregnation method. The porous NiO-GDC anode frame, the dense GDC electrolyte and the porous GDC cathode frame were co-tape cast and co-sintered to form an integral part. Ba(NO3)2 was impregnated into the as prepared Ni-GDC anode followed by heat-treating at 1200 °C to form BaO/Ni-GDC anode. O2-TPO analysis showed that carbon deposition on the anode was greatly suppressed in the presence of BaO. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) indicated that the anode activation polarization was negligible for the cell with the configuration of BaO/Ni-GDC//GDC//GDC-LSCF. The maximum power density measured at 750 °C for this cell was 824 mW cm−2 when wet CO was used as the fuel and ambient air as the oxidant.

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