Studies on electrical properties of microwave assisted synthesis of NiO/YSZ composites for high - performance anode in solid oxide fuel cell

Abstract

NiO/Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) composites which is widely used as anode in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has been prepared using microwaveassisted combustion technique. Different concentrations of NiO has been added to determine the optimum loading. From the XRD results, it was clear that there was no formation of secondary phases in the product. Further, the obtained microstructure and electrical properties of the NiO/YSZ (NYZ) composite material was almost the same as that obtained through other methods of synthesis. However, it was attained in a shorter duration and at low cost, which is an added advantage of this process. This research opens up a new horizon for the synthesis of novel ceramic electrode materials for SOFC application using microwaves.

Keywords:

• NiO/YSZ
• microwave combustion
• conduction mechanism
• CBH

Acknowledgement

One of the authors Anbarasi. P thankfully acknowledge the financial support from UGC, New Delhi in the form of Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship (RGNF) while Satheeshkumar. E is grateful to Dr P. Chithralekha and Mr G. Logesh for their constant encouragement and support.