Aqueous thick-film ceramic processing of planar solid oxide fuel cells using La0.20Sr0.25Ca0.45TiO3 anode supports

Abstract

Recent research into the upscaling and implementation of Rh/Ce0.80Gd0.20O1.90 co-impregnated La0.20Sr0.25Ca0.45TiO3 (LSCTA-) anodes in electrolyte-supported SOFC at short-stack industrial scales has resulted in extremely robust performance under realistic operation and tolerance to harsh conditions. Furthermore, evaluation of the mechanical strength of LSCTA- and incorporation of this material into anode-supported SOFC also yielded promising performance at the button cell scale (using Ni and CeO2 catalyst impregnates). The knowledge on ceramic processing obtained during these previous research campaigns may be used to develop anode-supported SOFC with LSCTA- 'backbones' that have been optimised for high mechanical strength, high 'effective' electronic conductivity and sufficient porosity. Therefore, this manuscript details the preparation of anode-supported SOFC using the thick-film ceramic processing technique of aqueous tape casting, the optimisation of anode microstructure through addition of aqueous solvent-compatible graphitic and methacrylate polymer pore formers and the co-sintering of a LSCTA- support with a typical SOFC electrolyte material.