Metal Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: From Materials Development to Single Cell Performance and Durability Tests

Abstract

Metal supported cells (MSC) are considered as the next generation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells due to their robustness and cost-efficiency. However, improvement of their performances for operation below 700°C is a key point, as well as their durability and their manufacturing route. Within the RAMSES EU project, materials, components and processes have been tailored for MSCs. Thus, a metal substrate, with coating, has been optimized, fulfilling the targets of low-cost, sinterability in low-oxidizing atmosphere and oxidation resistance. A customized electrolyte powder allowed decreasing the sintering temperature of 100°C compared to a reference 8YSZ powder. A modified Ni-8YSZ anode as well as a nickelate cathode were found to reach low polarization resistances of respectively 0.37 and less than 0.20 Ohm.cm² at 600°C. The progressive implementation of these materials in MSC has led to improved performances in tubular MSC, with an ASR of 1.56 Ohm.cm² at 600°C. Durability over 500h and 500 thermal cycles have been successfully achieved.