Metal supported solid oxide fuel cell
A process for forming a metal supported solid oxide fuel cell, the process comprising the steps of: a) applying a green anode layer including nickel oxide, copper oxide and a rare earth-doped ceria to a metal substrate; b) firing the green anode layer to form a composite including oxides of nickel, copper, and a rare earth-doped ceria; c) providing an electrolyte; and d) providing a cathode. Metal supported solid oxide fuel cells comprising an anode a cathode and an electrolyte, wherein the anode includes nickel, copper and a rare earth-doped ceria, fuel cell stacks and uses of these fuel cells.
1. A process for forming a metal supported solid oxide fuel cell, the process comprising the steps of:
a) applying a green anode layer including nickel oxide, copper oxide and a rare earth-doped ceria to a metal substrate;
b) firing the green anode layer to form a composite including oxides of nickel, copper, and a rare earth-doped ceria;
c) providing an electrolyte; and
d) providing a cathode.
2. The process according to claim 1 , further comprising a step of compressing the green anode layer at pressures in the range 100 to 300 MPa.
3. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the firing of the green anode layer occurs at a temperature in the range 950° C. to 1100° C.
4. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the nickel oxide, copper oxide and rare earth-doped ceria are powdered, the powders being of particle size distribution d90 in the range 0.1 μm to 4 μm.
5. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the nickel oxide, copper oxide and rare earth-doped ceria are applied as an ink.
6. The process according to claim 5 , wherein the ink comprises 5 wt % to 50 wt % of the total metal oxide of copper oxide.
7. The process according to claim 6 , wherein the application of the green anode layer includes an initial application of the ink to the metal substrate, and drying the ink to provide a printed layer of thickness in the range 5 μm to 40 μm.
8. The process according to claim 1 , further comprising heating the printed layer to remove the ink base leaving a green anode layer comprising nickel oxide, copper oxide and a rare earth-doped ceria.
9. The process according to claim 1 , wherein the step of providing an electrolyte occurs before the step of firing the green anode layer, so that the electrolyte and green anode layer are simultaneously fired.