Evaluation of commercial nickel oxide powders for components in solid oxide fuel cells

Various commercial nickel oxides were examined with respect to their relevant powder properties for application as anodes or anode substrates in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The powders were characterized regarding their morphology, grain size distribution, BET surface and sintering behavior. Furthermore, anode substrates were produced from these powders together with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder. The sintering behavior, gas permeability and electrical conductivity of these components were determined and compared with the current standard material used for SOFC development at Research Centre Jülich. A comparison of the powder and component properties indicate a significant influence of the powder properties on the components produced.