Preparation of nickel coated YSZ powder for application as an anode for solid oxide fuel cells

Nickel-yttria stabilized zirconia (Ni-YSZ) cermet is widely used as an anode material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). While the nickel-to-nickel chain maintains the electrical conductivity path, the YSZ contributes to lowering the thermal expansion and inhibits nickel coarsening during high temperature (100 degreesC) operation. An electroless technique is employed to prepare a uniform nickel coating on the YSZ powder. The process parameters for this technique are optimized. Notably, the cermet thus prepared shows percolation at a much lower nickel content (10-20 vol.%) compared with those reported in the literature. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier B.V.