Fabrication of tubular solid oxide fuel cells by solvent-assisted lamination and co-firing a rolled multilayer tape cast

This study presents preliminary results for tubular anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) fabricated by a novel method based on tape casting. A multilayer tape cast was prepared by successive casting of the anode support, anode functional layer, and electrolyte. The tape cast was rolled into a tube, and the ends of the tape were joined by solvent-assisted lamination. The sample was co-fired at 1400 degrees C, followed by screen printing and sintering of the cathode at 1150 degrees C. The electrochemical performance of the tubular cell was evaluated in N-2/H-2 gas at 750 degrees C. The cell generated a maximum power density of 90 mW/cm(2). The scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs after the electrochemical tests confirmed that the solvent-assisted lamination resulted in stable joining without delamination. Although the process and performance have yet to be optimized, the use of multilayer tape casting, solvent-assisted lamination, and co-firing is expected to make this method advantageous for low-cost mass production of tubular SOFCs.