Cu-CeO2 anodes for solid oxide fuel cells: Determination of infiltration characteristics
By Sar?bo?a, Vedat;
Published in Journal of Alloys and Compounds
2016
Abstract
Abstract In this work, the optimum compositions for a Cu-CeO2-YSZ anode were introduced as a solid oxide fuel cell anode structure. The minimum Cu content, a suitable infiltration technique and the optimum CeO2 amounts were determined. The continuum percolation limit of metallic Cu was demonstrated to be 30% by mass in the {YSZ} matrix. The simultaneous and sequential impregnation of Cu and CeO2 salt solutions was investigated using {XRD} and {SEM} techniques. It was concluded that the phase distribution in the {YSZ} scaffold was more efficient and that there was no chemical interaction between Cu and CeO2 during the co-calcination process with simultaneous infiltration. The {OCV} values of the cells increased greatly with 5%, 10% and 20% CeO2 content. On the other hand, over this loading, the {OCV} values were approximately 920 mV for increasing amounts of CeO2. The current-voltage measurements showed that up to Cu/CeO2 at 70/30, the electrochemical performance of the cell increased and then decreased for 60/40. The corresponding optimal Cu/CeO2 loading was investigated using single cell I-V characterization, and a 35% Cu-15% CeO2-50% {YSZ} cermet structure is the proposed ideal cell composition.