Preparation of Thin Films Using the Tape-Casting Process for Use in the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

F. G. E. Jones*, J. T. S. Irvine

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) produce electricity by electrochemically combining hydrogen and oxygen to give water. They operate at high temperatures (typically 1000 degrees C) allowing natural gas (hydrogen source) to be reformed in the cell rather than in an external reformer, reducing cost. Comparison with current electrical power generation systems, show SOFCs to have increased efficiencies, reduced NO(x) and SO(x) emissions and improved reliability promising a viable future alternative for electricity production.

Thin ceramic films of less than 200 mu m are necessary for reduced cell resistance. Tape casting is one method for production of thin ceramic (or metallic) films. In this paper, tape casting was used to produce both dense and porous thin films of 8-mo1% Yttria stabilised Zirconia (YSZ). The films were fired both separately and together in a monolithic multi-layered block in order to determine the feasibility of using this method for the production of all components of the SOFC. The effects of organic content, addition of pore-forming agents and firing temperature on the microstructure of the films were investigated. Each individual layer produced was between 40-60 mu m thick, with the highest density being >97% and the highest porosity obtained at 30% (produced by addition of a pore former). No de-lamination was observed upon heating the multi-layers.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)339-343
Number of pages5
JournalIonics
Volume8
Issue number5-6
Publication statusPublished - Sept 2002

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