Nanocomposite Ni-CGO synthesized by the citric method as a substrate for thin-film IT-SOFC

Abstract

Ni-ceria cermets have been extensively investigated as candidates for the anode in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. We have used the citric method to synthesize nanocomposite powders consisting of NiO (Ni metal content: 40-60% by volume) highly dispersed in Ce0.9Gd 0.1O1.95 (CGO). The microstructure characteristics and sintering behaviors of the nanocomposites were investigated. No impurity phases were observed and the shrinkage of these substrates matched well with that of a CGO electrolyte with a specific surface area of 11 m2/g. Densification of the CGO electrolyte layer to <5 μm thickness was achieved by co-firing the laminated electrolyte with the porous NiO-CGO substrate at 1400°C for 6 h.