Nanostructured and Nonsymmetrical NiO–SDC/SDC Composite Anode Performance via a Microwave-Assisted Route for Intermediate-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract

This work investigates the electrical properties of NiO–SDC/SDC anode sintered at approximately 1200°C for 1 h via the microwave method. Nanopowders Sm_0.2Ce_0.8O_1.9 (SDC—samaria-doped ceria) and NiO were mixed using a high-energy ball mill and subsequently co-pressed at three different compaction pressures of 200, 300, and 400 MPa. This study determines the effect of compaction pressure on the electrochemical performance of Ni–SDC/SDC anode, with no binder used between layers. The electrical behavior of the prepared anode was studied via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy in controlled atmospheres, operating at high temperatures (600–800°C). The results indicate that decreasing the compaction pressure and increasing the operating temperature lead to a high electrochemical performance of the nonsymmetrical NiO–SDC/SDC anode. The mechanism for manufacturing NiO–SDC/SDC involves ball milling, dry pressing, and microwave furnace sintering processes.

Keywords:

• Ceramic
• Microwave
• Pressing
• Sintering