Development of Anode-Supported Planar SOFC Using Inexpensive and Simple Processing Technique

In the anode-supported planar SOFC, conventionally the porous anode support is fabricated first, over which a thin layer of electrolyte (5-50 mu m) is developed to form the half-cell. Additionally, functional layers in the anode side (AFL) and cathode side (CFL) are used. The present contribution reports use of inexpensive and simple processing techniques to fabricate anode-supported planar SOFC where no AFL is used. The process involves room temperature lamination of several layers of tapecast NiO-YSZ together with a top layer of YSZ followed by co-firing. The half cells thus fabricated, having thin electrolyte (similar to 20 mu m), are screen-printed with La(Sr)MnO(3) (LSM)-YSZ CFL and LSM cathode layer. Single cells of dimensions up to 10 cm x 10 cm x 1.5 mm have been fabricated. Coupon cells show current density between 1.0 and 1.5 A/cm(2) at 800 degrees C and 0.7V. The electrochemical performances of these cells are size independent and show excellent repeatability