Fabrication of microstructured yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte surface using centrifugal molding for high-performance solid oxide fuel cells

This study replicated the surface of yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) microstructures by centrifugal filling to improve the performance of solid oxide fuel cells. A slurry with YSZ nanoparticles were filled with centrifugal force in polymer replica mold, solvent dried, and then transferred and sintered onto a bulk YSZ electrolyte plate. 3 m-pitch pillar structure was successfully replicated with a centrifugal acceleration of 2,500 G, and the polarization resistance of the electrodes was reduced by approximately 25%. Similarly, a line-and-space structure was formed to investigate the structure dependence, and resistance reduction was confirmed. Furthermore, a distribution relaxation time analysis confirmed that the reduction in resistance was due to decreasing tortuosity factor of YSZ. (C) 2022 CIRP. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study replicated YSZ microstructures using centrifugal filling, resulting in improved performance of solid oxide fuel cells. The replication of pillar and line-and-space structures reduced the polarization resistance of the electrodes.