Cathode current-collectors for a novel tubular SOFC design

Two methods of current collection/interconnection are developed for a novel tubular design solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Nimonic 90 wires, coated with LaCoO3 − δ are used as the cathode current-collectors. When compared with the uncoated Nimonic wires, the LaCoO3 − δ perovskite coated Nimonic wires improve the current densities of the cells. The latter is attributed to the fact that the coating improves the electrical contact between the wire and the cathode. The second method of current collection, whereby silver inks are painted on to the surface of the cathodes and then fired in situ, achieves greater cell performances than the Nimonic 90 wire systems. At 900°C and 0.7 V, with 3-cm long cathodes, a current density of 0.20 A cm−2 is achieved for cells with silver strip current-collectors.