Electrochemical Characterization of Intermediate-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with PVD-Coated Electrolyte

Anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells with thin electrolytes show good electrochemical performance. In this work, 4-μm-thick YSZ electrolyte with 2-μm-thick GDC barrier layer is deposited onto the substrates by reactive magnetron sputtering. It is shown that high power density can be obtained for 5 × 5 cm2 cells under planar stacks conditions with stainless steel current collectors. Electrochemical investigations are performed in the temperature range of 600-800°C. High power density of 0.29, 0.83, 1.4 W cm-2 is achieved at a voltage 0.7 V and 600, 700, and 800°C, respectively.