Bimetallic (Ni-Fe) anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells with gadolinia-doped ceria electrolyte

Anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) comprising nickel + iron anode support and gadolinia-cloped ceria (GDC) of composition Gd0.1Ce0.9O2-delta thin film electrolyte were fabricated, and their performance was evaluated. The ratio of Fe2O3 to NiO in the anode support was 3 to 7 on a molar basis. Fe2O3 and NiO powders were mixed in the desired proportions and discs were die-pressed. All other layers were sequentially applied on the anode support. The cell structure consisted of five distinct layers: anode support - Ni + Fe; anode functional layer - Ni + CDC; electrolyte - CDC; cathode functional layer - LSC (La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-delta) + CDC; and cathode current collector - LSC. Cells with three different variations of the electrolyte were made: (1) thin CDC electrolyte (similar to 15 mu m); (2) thick CDC electrolyte (similar to 25 mu m); and (3) trilayer GDC/thin yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)/GDC electrolyte (similar to 25 mu m). Cells were tested with hydrogen as fuel and air as oxidant up to 650 degrees C. The maximum open circuit voltage measured at 650 degrees C was similar to 0.83 V and maximum power density measured was similar to 0.68 Wcm(-2). The present work shows that cells with Fe + Ni containing anode support can be Successfully made. (c) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.