Influence of composition and Cu impregnation method on the performance of Cu/CeO2/YSZ SOFC anodes

In this study, we report on how different impregnation procedures affect the distribution and morphology of the Cu component in Cu/CeO2/YSZ (YSZ, yttria-stabilized zirconia) composite anodes and how this affects anode performance. Two different methods for Cu addition to the porous YSZ anode were investigated: impregnation using aqueous solutions of Cu(NO3)2 and impregnation using aqueous solutions of Cu(NO3)2 plus urea. The latter method produced a homogeneous distribution of Cu throughout the anode while the former resulted in a higher concentration of Cu near the exposed surface relative to that in the bulk. Studies of the thermal stability of the deposited copper layers and the influence of the Cu distribution on cell performance when operating with humidified H2 as the fuel are also presented.