Preparation of suspensions of solid electrolytes for deposition of thin layers by inkjet printing

Abstract

The main goal of the present proposal is the development of ceramic inks that will be used for deposition of thin layers of electrolytes in solid oxide fuel (SOFC). The materials used are gadolinium-doped ceria and yttria-stabilized zirconia. These ceramic oxides will be prepared in suspensions used for deposition on anode SOFC substrates by inkjet printing. This deposition method will allow the fabrication of fuel cells supported on the anode, with dense and homogeneous electrolytes with thickness in the 5 to 10 ¼m range. The suspensions will be analysed by means of granulometry, viscosity and surface tension analyses to adjust the printing conditions. After the development stages of the ceramic inks, they will be printed on the anode substrate and the anode / electrolyte half-cell will be co-sintered in temperature and time conditions suitable for obtaining high performance SOFC single cells. The microstructure resulting from deposited layers will be analysed by means of scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical tests will be performed for a preliminary evaluation of the fuel cells. (AU)