Fabrication and characterization of t-ZrO₂ supported small tubular SOFC

Using multi-pass extrusion process, a t-ZrO₂ support tube for small tubular solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) was fabricated. After burning out of extrusion binder, lubricant and pore former, SOFC functional layers have been coated on the tube by slurry dip coating method. The cell configuration was composed of NiO-8YSZ, 8 mol% yttria stabilized zirconia (8YSZ), Gd _0.2Ce_0.8O_1.9-x, (GDC) and La _0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O₃ (LSCF) on the t-ZrO₂ supported tube as anode, electrolyte, interlayer and cathode, respectively. Dense microstructure of electrolyte was achieved by co-sintering. Maximum power density of 349 mW/cm²was obtained at 850°C using pure H₂ as fuel and stagnant air. The cell showed stability for a time period of 100 h at 850°C.