Synthesis of Ni/YSZ based anode and investigation of effect of PVA as pore-former upon porosity, microstructure and thermal behavior for potential use in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs)

Abstract

Abstract This study focuses on development of Nickel–Yttira Stabilized Zirconia (Ni/YSZ) based anode material by solid-state synthesis using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) in varying weight concentrations (3 wt.% and 6 wt.%) both as a binder and as a pore-former. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction based structural and morphological analyses were performed and the synthesis of a homogeneous NiO/YSZ phase was confirmed after sintering at 1 000 °C. Microscopic study investigating effects of PVA concentration upon pore density in pellets pressed under the same conditions was conducted. Thermo-gravimetric/differential thermal analysis of the powders pre-dried at around 120 °C was carried out up to 1 000 °C to investigate the phase change and the thermal decomposition behavior. Findings on reduction of NiO/YSZ in a mixed atmosphere of H2/Ar at 550 °C are also discussed in detail. The results demonstrated that areal porosity of 12 % and 24 % was achieved with 3 wt.% and 6 wt.% of PVA, respectively.