The relationship between impedance and shape on the surface of a SOFC sensor

Abstract

Abstract Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are a type of power source that can convert hydrocarbons and hydrogen gas to electricity at temperatures of between 600-800°C with a flow rate of 0.2 l/min. A BYCF cathode, GDC10 electrolyte and NiO anode were used for the SOFC system. A Spray Pyrolysis technique was used for the fabrication of the cathode and anode layers which were 5-10 µm in thickness. The Micro-SOFC should be able to detect hydrocarbon gases such as methane, butane, and so forth, which can generate a small electrical signal depending on the quantity of gas. Therefore, the novel design of Micro-SOFCs can be used as a sensor for measuring the quantity of methane. In particular, it can measure the content of methane in biogas after fermentation. This investigation used a novel design of sensor surface with Cat, Square, and Yin-Yang shapes. The impedance showed a relationship between resistivity and ionic transfers in the Micro-SOFC system depending on the surface shapes.