Preparation of SOFC Anodes by Electrodeposition

Abstract

Anodes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have been prepared by electrodeposition of either Co or Ni into a layer of porous yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), thick. The YSZ, having 65% porosity, was prepared by tape casting with graphite pore formers and was attached to the dense YSZ electrolyte. After adding by impregnation of aqueous solutions of , followed by calcination at , the porous YSZ was made conductive by exposing it to -butane at to form a coating of carbon. As much as metal could be added to the porous layers, while the carbon could then be removed by exposing the anode to humidified at SOFC operating temperatures. The ohmic losses in cells containing Co or Ni were unaffected by heating to . Finally, a cell with Cu and Co was prepared by electrodeposition of Cu onto electrodeposited Co. No carbon formation was observed on the anode following exposure to dry methane at .