Investigation of Ni-YSZ SOFC Anode Fabricated Via Electroless Nickel Co-Deposition

The paper discusses investigation of nickel - yttria-stabilised zirconia (Ni-YSZ) solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode fabricated via electroless nickel co-deposition. Electroless nickel co-deposition is an in-situ method in fabricating Ni- YSZ anode cermet in one single process without high temperature sintering unlike the common fabrication techniques. The Ni-YSZ anode was analysed in term of its microstructure and electronic conductivity which is the main criteria in determining the overall performance of the anode in SOFC application. The microstructure of Ni- YSZ anode was analysed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDXA). It was found that the main elements of the anode is uniformly distributed which ensures good electronic networks and balance ceramic networks ensure minimal internal crack or delamination between the cermet anode and the ceramic electrolyte. The electronic conductivity of Ni-YSZ SOFC anode was measured up to 800 oC in air and nitrogen behaving as a biphasic system. Both the microstructure and electronic conductivity performance of Ni-YSZ cermet anode fabricated by electroless nickel co-deposition was found to be consistence and comparable to the other studies.