PVD-Deposited Micro-SOFC Model Systems

摘要

Model anodes and electrolytes have been prepared as YSZ, NiCu and NiCu/YSZ thin films by means of magnetron sputtering. This is done in order to test the feasibility of vastly downsized fuel cells, so-called micro-SOFCs, that would enable a more efficient and economical operation at lower temperatures. Upon heat-treatment in methane, the NiCu layer undergoes a segregation effect to form core-shell particles with Cu-rich shells. These copper-enriched surfaces are shown to prohibit any coking, as would be the case for pure nickel in carbonaceous fuels. Photoelectron spectroscopy and electron microscopy reveal these depositions to be graphitic and contain carbon nanotubes.