Anode-supported micro-tubular SOFCs made by aqueous electrophoretic deposition

Anode-supported micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) were manufactured by a novel method using aqueous electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The process of these micro-tubular SOFCs included consecutive aqueous EPDs of porous anode layer (NiO–YSZ), dense electrolyte layer (yttria-stabilized zirconia, YSZ) and porous cathode layer (La0.8Sr0.2MnO3, LSM) onto a thin wire electrode (e.g., a Cu wire), followed by stripping, drying, and a single co-sintering. The microstructure of the micro-tubular SOFC, including the thickness and porosity of each layer, was controlled by the processing parameters such as solid loading, current density, deposition time, and sintering temperature. The electrochemical performance of such a micro-tubular SOFC was demonstrated by the V–I–P (voltage–current–power) measurement.