Preparation of YSZ electrolyte film by electrophoretic deposition under constant voltage

In order to reduce the operation temperature of solid oxide fuel cells, an electrophoretic deposition method under constant voltage was adopted to prepare YSZ thin electrolyte film on porous NiO/YSZ anode substrates. The effects of different solvent on the stability of the suspension system and the microstructure of the film were investigated through deposition current measurement and SEM observation. The function mechanism of I₂ and PVB on the microstructure of the film was investigated. The results showed that the high stability of suspension system was obtained using acetone as solvent and I₂ addition of 0.5 g/L. The density of YSZ film was enhanced by adding 0.3 g/L PVB to the suspension to increase the strength among YSZ particles. It is concluded that the composition of suspension has a significant influence on deposition current and morphology of the obtained thin films.