Flexible solid oxide fuel cells supported on thin and porous metal

Abstract

A thin metal (NiFe)-supported SOFC is fabricated by tape casting and co-sintering, and its mechanical flexibility is tested. A single cell, composed of ∼120 μm-thick NiFe-support, ∼30 μm-thick Ni-YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia) anode, and ∼15 μm-thick YSZ electrolyte, shows a good mechanical flexibility. With the use of a thin metal (NiFe) support, the degree of bending for the metal-supported cell is much larger than that for the anode- or electrolyte-supported SOFCs as the displacement shows under the mechanical load. The rupture of the cell is also largely prevented due to its flexibility. A thin NiFe-supported cell that operated at 800 °C with a LSCF (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ) cathode shows a power density of ∼430 mW cm−2. This type of cell is promising as a mobile or portable power generator because it is light weight and highly resistant to mechanical shocks.