Atmospheric plasma-sprayed BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δ (BZCYYb) electrolyte membranes for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

• Published in: Ceramics international 2016-12, Vol.42 (16), p.19231-19236
• Main Authors: Sun, Haibin, Zhang, Shanlin, Li, Chengxin, Rainwater, Ben, Liu, Yuchen, Zhang, Lei, Zhang, Yujun, Li, Changjiu, Liu, Meilin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Atmospheric plasma spraying; Doped barium cerate; Electrolyte membranes; Post-densification; Solid oxide fuel cell
• ISSN: 0272-8842; 1873-3956
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2016.09.088

The high co-sintering temperature of BZCYYb electrolyte membranes supported by anode substrates usually causes a series of problems including undesirable electrolyte-anode reactions/diffusion and Ba-evaporation, posing a challenge for seeking alternative fabrication approaches. In this study, BZCYYb electrolyte membranes supported by anode substrates are fabricated by a large-scale and cost-effective atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) process. The 25µm thick BZCYYb membrane has negligible electrolyte-anode reactions/diffusion due to the APS process free of high-temperature co-firing. The Ba-evaporation problem is also resolved during APS process because of the adoption of large-grained BZCYYb feedstock powders. After 15 cycles of post-densification treatment by infiltrating, the plasma-sprayed BZCYYb membrane is dense enough for electrolyte application. The single cell based on dense plasma-sprayed BZCYYb electrolyte membrane shows a peak power density of 0.35Wcm−2 at 750°C using 3vol% humidified H2 as fuel and ambient air as oxidant.