Marc M.A. van Tuel

Enhanced ASC Performance at 600{degree sign}C by Ceria Barrier Layer Optimisation

Reduction of the SOFC operating temperature to 600{degree sign}C is an effective approach for reducing the costs of applied materials and increasing the lifetime of SOFC systems. The anode-supported cell design (ASC) with thin electrolyte is a promising configuration for operation at this temperature. This paper deals with the ASC performance improvement at 600oC by optimisation of the ceria barrier layer that is placed between the La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ cathode and the zirconia electrolyte to prevent the formation of resistive secondary phases. Conventional screen printing has been used for the deposition of the ceria barrier layer. The improved screen printed ceria layer results in an increase in maximum power output of the anode supprted cell from 260 to 580 mW/cm2 at an operating temperature of 600oC. The performance improvement was mainly caused by a significant reduction of ohmic losses.