Low-temperature Processing of Thin-film Electrolyte for Electrochemical Devices

Thin-film electrolyte processing has become a key issue for the development of electrochemical devices such as solid oxide fuel cells, because reducing resistance of the electrolyte is critical to enhancing cell performance. In this study, yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin film, 1-2 µm thick, electrolyte has been prepared on dense and porous substrates using a combination of colloidal suspensions and polymer precursors at annealing temperatures \u3c1000°C. Use of processing temperatures \u3c1000°C minimizes interfacial reactions between electrolyte and anode/cathode materials. The conductivity of the thin film annealed at 900°C was measured and was the same as that of bulk YSZ and the processing temperature to obtain such conductivity was as low as 400°C