Fabrication and characterization of Ni-SSZ/SSZ/LSM-SSZ anode-supported SOFCs by tape casting and single-step co-sintering techniques

In this work, Ni-10 % Sc₂O₃-stabilized ZrO₂ (SSZ)/SSZ/La_0.8Sr_0.2MnO_3-δ (LSM)-SSZ anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have been successfully prepared by tape casting and single-step co-sintering procedures. The structure contains Ni-SSZ anode substrate and Ni-SSZ anode functional, dense SSZ electrolyte, LSM-SSZ cathode functional, and LSM-SSZ cathode layers were successfully prepared at 1250, 1300, and 1350 °C, respectively. The microstructures of the single cells were examined by SEM. There were some close pores in electrolyte of Cell-1250, and the cathode particle size obviously increased in Cell-1350. Therefore, Cell-1300 showed the optimal cell performance, the maximum power density attained 920 mW cm⁻² at 800 °C. The impedance analysis demonstrated that the co-sintered temperatures have effects on not only the polarization resistance R_P of a single cell but also its overall ohmic resistance R_S. The results indicate that the tape casting and single-step co-sintering methods are both time saving and feasible for the development of anode-supported SOFCs.