Experimental Investigation for Maximizing the Effect of Electrode-Electrolyte Interface Expansion in Anode-Supported SOFC

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) performance is improved when the interface between the electrode and electrolyte has a concave-convex shape, which expands the area where electrochemical reactions occur. Although numerical simulation predicted the optimum concave-convex shape that maximizes the performance enhancement effect, the concave-convex shapes actually fabricated in previous experimental studies have larger widths than the optimal shape. In this study, screen-printing is applied as an alternative fabrication method for realizing the optimum concave-convex shape. A model is also developed to estimate the shape of the screen-printed concave-convex shape after sintering, and the validity of the model is verified by comparing the estimated shape with the experimental measurements.