YSZ/Ni–YSZ semi-cells shaped by electrophoretic deposition

The manufacturing of Ni/YSZ self-supported films by aqueous electrophoretic deposition (EPD) for fuel cell applications is reported. The amount and the additives used in an aqueous suspension of Ni and YSZ powders have been optimized to obtain homogeneous and crack-free Ni/YSZ films on graphite substrates. Formed deposits are treated in air at 800 °C for graphite burning out and further sintered in reducing N2/10 vol.% H2 atmosphere at 1200 °C. Self-supported films with a gradient function in composition were shaped as a semi-cell in a single-step process without the use of other alternative shaping methods.