Preparation and evaluation of Ni-based anodes with straight open pores for solid oxide fuel cells

Ni-based anode supports with straight open pores were well prepared using self-organization process. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results of YSZ ceramic skeletons showed that honeycomb-like structures with highly ordered straight pores were obtained. The regulation of solid loading and CaCl 2 concentration on the morphology of YSZ skeletons were discussed. The YSZ skeleton with solid loading of 10 wt% and CaCl 2 concentration of 1.5 mol L −1 delivered a pore size of 99 μm and a porosity of 46.9%. The solid oxide fuel cell based on Ni-YSZ anode possessed a maximum power density of 253 mW cm −2 and an ohmic resistance of 0.16 Ω cm 2 at 800 °C. The pore diameter and porosity of the ceramic supports could be adjusted to expected values by further optimization of the parameters. The self-organization method will become a feasible and valid operation to produce anode supports with appropriate morphologies.