Ink-jet printing of electrolyte and anode functional layer for solid oxide fuel cells

In this work, solid oxide fuel cells were fabricated by ink-jet printing. The cells were characterized in order to study the resulting microstructure and electrochemical performance. Scanning electron microscopy revealed a highly conformal 6–12 μm thick dense yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte layer, and a porous anode-interlayer. Open circuit voltages ranged from 0.95 to 1.06 V, and a maximum power density of 0.175 W cm−2 was achieved at 750 °C. These results suggest that the ink-jet printing technique may be used to fabricate stable SOFC structures that are comparable to those fabricated by more conventional ceramics processing methods. This study also highlights the significance of overall cell microstructural impact on cell performance and stability.