Processing Effects on Performance and Stability of Anode-Supported Fuel-Cells

摘要

Optimized performance of a fuel cell membrane electrode assembly (MEA) depends on several factors. Key among them are the electrolyte density and the interface between the electrolyte and electrodes (anode and cathode). In this work, SOFC half cells were fabricated by tape casting, lamination, and co-sintering with constraint. These half-cells were then printed with cathode material and re-fired to form the MEA. The effect of both constraint and firing profile were investigated. Optimization of firing profile and constraint load facilitated production of MEA's with minimal camber. Study of these cells, fired in different profiles, displayed that interface issues easily overshadow the effect of electrolyte density with regard to cell performance and stability in use. In addition, infiltration was performed on the as-fabricated single cell samples. The performance of the infiltrated cell conducted in 100% hydrogen as well as in 7.3% ethanol in helium will be presented.