The Open Fuels & Energy Science Journal

2009, 2 : 87-99
Published online 2009 September 15. DOI: 10.2174/1876973X01002010087
Publisher ID: TOEFJ-2-87

Comparison Between Ultrathin Films of YSZ Deposited at the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Cathode/Electrolyte Interface by Atomic Layer Deposition, Dip- Coating or Sputtering

M. Benamira , A. Ringuedé , M. Cassir , D. Horwat , J.F. Pierson , P. Lenormand , F. Ansart , J.M. Bassat and J. Fullenwarth
Laboratoire d’Electrochimie, Chimie des Interfaces et Modélisation pour l’Energie (LECIME), UMR 7575 CNRS, Chimie Paris Tech, France.

ABSTRACT

The effect of an 80 nm YSZ interfacial layer, deposited onto a YSZ pellet by different techniques (dip-coating, sputtering and atomic layer deposition) at the SOFC cathode/electrolyte interface to allow a maximum adhesion of the thick cathode layer, was thoroughly analysed. The LSM cathode was deposited on the solid electrolyte by painting and sintered in air at 1200°C for 2 h. The morphological and structural analyses of the samples were performed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction; their electrical properties were examined between 390 and 700°C by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The impedance responses showed three different contributions. The highfrequency arc is attributed to the YSZ electrolyte. The electrode processes associated with the medium- and lowfrequency arcs were discussed. The electrochemical performance was influenced by the microstructure at the electrode/electrolyte interface.

Keywords:

SOFC, thin layers, direct-mode glucose fuel cell.