J. Peña-Martínez

Microstructural optimisation of materials for SOFC applications using PMMA microspheres

A novel and facile route to control the porosity of materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) applications has been developed through the simple combination of oxide powders, polyvinyl alcohol and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) microspheres. This method allows the microstructure to be optimised improving the performances of SOFC electrode materials.

Is YSZ stable in the presence of Cu

XRD, XPS and electrochemical studies show clear evidence of chemical interaction under oxidising and reducing conditions between YSZ and CuO, both components of a widely studied anode material for high performance solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The aim of this work is to identify and verify the nature of this interaction and find means to prevent its formation during the fabrication process of a fuel cell.