Synthesis, characterization and catalytic properties of sol–gel derived mixed oxides Original Research Article

A composite material (hereafter referred to as NYC) containing Ni, Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 (YSZ) and Ce0.9Ca0.1O2−δ (CC10) particles was prepared and used as the anode of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The performance of NYC was better than that of conventional Ni/YSZ anodes in terms of anodic overpotential and interface impedance. The additional CC10 particles improved the anode properties. XRD results suggest that a solid solution of YSZ and CC10 was produced. From impedance measurements, it is concluded that the solid solution exhibits substantial electronic conduction. Ni/YSZ/15 wt% Ce0.9Ca0.1O2−δ anodes exhibited the best properties over the experimental temperature range. A SOFC with an anode of Ni/YSZ/15 wt% Ce0.9Ca0.1O2−δ provided the maximum power density and current density. Addition of CC10 with an average particle size of 0.3 μm was more advantageous than that with an average size of 3 μm.