Ink formulation and printing of electrolyte for a doped ceria solid oxide fuel cell

Abstract

• Synthesis of highly printable ceria-based electrolyte for a solid oxide fuel cell. • Polymeric 20 mol% gadolinium-doped ceria nanoparticle ink formulated. • Printed gadolinium-doped ceria films of thickness 130 nm obtained. • Proper adjustment of ink rheology and particle size ensures successful printing. We propose a simple ink formulation and a rapid preparation technique to deposit a 20 mol% gadolinium-doped ceria electrolyte utilizing nanopowders and a polymeric dispersant. The ink was assessed for printability and was successfully printed using a piezoelectric inkjet materials printer. The ejected drops were investigated using built-in stroboscopic imaging during ejection, and the deposited thin films were characterised using optical microscopy and surface profilometry. Inkjet material deposition provides a highly repeatable process for the fabrication of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) that can be up-scaled to industrial levels.