Anode-supported micro-tubular SOFCs fabricated by a phase-inversion and dip-coating process

A simple phase-inversion process is successfully combined with a dip-coating process to fabricate anode-supported micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Several processing parameters were systematically investigated to optimize cell microstructure and performance, including the amount of pore former used in the support substrate and the number of electrolyte coatings. Single cells with ∼240 μm thick NiO-YSZ support and 10 μm thick YSZ electrolyte were successfully fabricated, demonstrating peak power densities of 752 and 277 mW cm−2 at 800 and 600 °C, respectively, when a composite cathode consisting of La0.85Sr0.15MnO3 and Sm0.2Ce0.8O2−δ was used. This simple fabrication technique can be readily used for optimization of fuel cell microstructures and for cost-effective fabrication of high-performance SOFCs, potentially reducing the cost of SOFC technologies.