Rapid thermal-cycling test using thick-film electrolyte-supported solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

Rapid thermal-cycling tests were performed for the thick-film, electrolyte-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The sintered yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte film was mounted on a YSZ ring by sintering the two pieces together. With this configuration, it was possible to cycle the cells between 200 and 800°C with heating and cooling rates up to 50°C/min. Using La0.6 Sr0.4 Co0.2 Fe 0.8 O3-δ as a cathode and Ni-GDC (Gd-doped ceria) as a composite anode, the cell with a 50 μm thick YSZ electrolyte maintained a high performance, i.e., maximum power density of ∼510 mW/ cm2 at 800°C after thermal cycles. A planar SOFC was highly durable for rapid thermal cycles. © 2010 The Electrochemical Society.