Microstructural Analysis of Infiltrated Ni-YSZ Anode Fabricated by Precursor Thermal Decomposition

Abstract

Ni-YSZ anodes of solid oxide fuel cells are fabricated using the infiltration method to control their microstructure. Microstructure of the anode with the infiltration method is evaluated by using focused ion beam scanning electron microscope and compared with that of an anode fabricated with the conventional method. From the electrochemical impedance measurement, the infiltrated anode is found to have much less polarization resistance than the conventional anode. Moreover, the infiltrated anode has sufficient Ni connectivity, smaller Ni particle size and higher triple-phase boundary (TPB) density. On the other hand, the infiltrated anode has larger ohmic resistance due to contact resistance between a current collector and surface of the anode.