Performance and evolution of planar copper-based anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

The performances of innovative planar copper-based anode supported solid oxide fuel cells were investigated. Li-containing Gadolinia-doped Ceria (GDC) and Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Ferrite/Li-GDC were used for the electrolyte and the cathode, respectively; anodes consisting of 35 or 45 vol % CuO/GDC were produced and the corresponding green cells were sintered at 950 and 900°C, respectively. Polarization and power density measurements revealed an important dependence of the electrochemical parameters on sintering temperature and anodic composition. Cu redistribution within the anodic cermet during cell operation was investigated and energy dispersive spectroscopy analysis of anode structure before and after operation revealed Cu migration towards the anode/electrolyte interface.