Optimization of Ni–YSZ solid oxide fuel cell anodes by surface laser melting

•Symmetrical cells using Ni–YSZ eutectics were fabricated.•Laser parameters were optimized at 100W of power and 1mms−1 of speed.•Microstructure optimization by laser treatment is beneficial for SOFCs. A cermet composed of a metallic component (nickel) and a ceramic matrix (yttria stabilized zirconia...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Applied surface science 2015-04, Vol.335, p.39-43
Main Authors: Cubero, A., Peña, J.I., Laguna-Bercero, M.A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Anodes
Ceramics
Eutectic
Eutectics
Laser beam melting
Laser processing
Nickel
NiO
Optimization
Solid oxide fuel cells
Yttria stabilized zirconia
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Summary:•Symmetrical cells using Ni–YSZ eutectics were fabricated.•Laser parameters were optimized at 100W of power and 1mms−1 of speed.•Microstructure optimization by laser treatment is beneficial for SOFCs. A cermet composed of a metallic component (nickel) and a ceramic matrix (yttria stabilized zirconia) is commonly used as the anode for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). In the present work we intend to improve the performance of Ni–YSZ anodes by surface laser melting. Symmetrical cells, consisting of two NiO–YSZ anodes (∼20μm thickness) separated by a relatively thin YSZ electrolyte (∼500μm) were fabricated by convectional ceramic techniques. Subsequently, laser melting treatments of both anodes were performed using a CO2 laser system, producing a NiO–YSZ eutectic lamellar microstructure. Laser power of 100W and processing rates of 1mms−1 were determined as the optimum processing conditions. Symmetrical processed plates (eutectic sample) were electrically characterized by impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and the results were compared with non-processed plates (ceramic sample). Preliminary EIS results showed that the polarization resistance at higher temperatures (in the range of 900°C) is about 0.5Ωcm2 for both the eutectic and the ceramic sample. However, at lower temperatures (in the range of 800°C) the polarization resistance for both samples differs considerably (2.9 and 1.6Ωcm2 for the ceramic and eutectic sample, respectively). These experiments confirmed that optimization of the microstructure by laser surface treatment plays a crucial role in the electrochemical properties of the anode cermets.
ISSN:0169-4332
1873-5584
DOI:10.1016/j.apsusc.2015.01.230