Aqueous tape casting technology of NiO-YSZ electrode for solid oxide cells

BackgroundSolid oxide cell (SOC) is the core converter for hydrogen production by high temperature electrolysis of water vapor and hydrogen fuel utilization.PurposeThis study aims to develope two kinds of aqueous casting pastes of NiO-YSZ with different components for the batch preparation of SOC without the usage of a large number of organic solvents.MethodsA 10 cm×10 cm large-scale full-scale cell was prepared by screen printing the hydrogen electrode functional layer, electrolyte layer, barrier layer and oxygen electrode layer with NiO-YSZ support film at one time casting of about 450 μm. The effect of dispersant on the microstructure of hydrogen electrode support and the stability of the pastes were analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The performance of the SOCs were tested by I-V curve and electrochemical impedance.ResultsBased on the optimized NiO-YSZ supports, the prepared planar SOCs delivers a peak power density of 0.36 W·cm-2 at 750 ℃. The electrolysis current density of SOC can reach -0.68 A·cm-2 at 1.30 V in solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) model.ConclusionsThe performances of the aqueous-based SOCs can be considered highly remarkable, thus supporting the success in scaling the fabrication of SOCs using more environ-mentally friendly processes than conventional ones.