Miniaturized Low-temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with an Yttria-stabilized-zirconia Foil Electrolyte

Abstract

Micro-solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are promising power sources for portable electronic devices. This study presents the fabrication and electrochemical characterization of a new SOFC design which consists of prefabricated parts such as a nickel-mesh anode, a 3 µm thick yttria-stabilized-zirconia (YSZ) foil or a 140 μm thick YSZ-tape electrolyte and a thin-film cathode that are assembled on a Foturan® glass ceramic support structure. Pull-tests revealed a bonding strength of 100 - 200 g between the Ni-mesh anode and the YSZ electrolyte. An open-circuit voltage of 1.0 V and a maximum power density of 0.84 mW/cm2 were measured at 550{degree sign}C for SOFCs comprising a Ni-mesh anode, an YSZ-tape electrolyte and a Pt-paste cathode.