Low-temperature preparation by polymeric complex solution synthesis of Cu-Gd-doped ceria cermets for solid oxide fuel cells anodes: Sinterability, microstructures and electrical properties

摘要

A homogeneous dispersion of fine CuO in a gadolinia-doped ceria (CGO) ceramic matrix by the polymeric organic complex solution method has been achieved. Highly sinterable powders were prepared by this method after calcining the precursor at 600 °C and attrition milled. The powders consist of individual particles of few tens of nanometer in size with a low agglomeration state. The isopressed compacts were sintered in air at 1000 °C and reducing in N2 90%-H2 10% atmosphere to form Cu-CGO cermets. The microstructures showed a uniform distribution of porous metallic Cu particles surrounded by microporous spaces. The influence of Cu content in Cu-CGO cermets on the electrode performance has been investigated in order to create the most suitable microstructure. The electrical properties of Cu-CGO cermets have been also studied using impedance spectroscopy, in the temperature range form 150 to about 700 °C in argon atmosphere. These measurements determined a high value of electrical conductivity at 700 °C, similar to that corresponded to pure metallic cupper. © 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.