Fabrication and Characterization of a Small Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cell with the La0.43Ca0.37Ni0.06Ti0.94O3-γ Anode

Abstract

Tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have great potential in micro-combined heat and power systems and portable applications. A small tubular SOFC is developed and fabricated by tape casting and co-sintering. This method is advantageous for simple manufacturing, low cost and ability for mass production. The La0.43Ca0.37Ni0.06Ti0.94O3-γ (LCNT) is adopted as anode for its attractive redox performance and electrocatalytic activity promoted by exsolution of nickel nanoparticles. The power output of a single tubular SOFC at 850 °C increases from 0.32 W to 0.47 W by applying a constant voltage of 2.3 V for 10 min. With 3%H2O/H2 as fuel, the stability of redox performance of the tubular SOFC is tested and the cell endures 20 redox cycles at a fixed voltage of 0.7 V. SEM morphology shows that the exsolution of nickel nanoparticles is enhanced by reducing the perovskite under a constant potential, which increases the electrochemical activity and conductivity.