Synthesis and Properties of Dense Nickel and Cobalt Zirconia Cermet Anodes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract

Porous Ni/Zirconia cermets have been traditionally used as anodes in solid oxide fuel cell configurations. They show excellent catalytic activity towards hydrogen oxidation as well as a number of other attributes. However, they are prone to sintering during long term operation, thus causing a drop in the efficiency of the cell. This paper describes the fabrication and properties of a dense cermet which, we suggest, may act as an intermediate layer between the electrolyte and the porous anode and possibly reduce a node degradation. Co and Ni based cermet systems were investigated and a 30 vol% Co/zirconia system could be fabricated with less than 20% porosity after being sintered at 1300 degrees C.