Enhanced performance of nanostructured thin film anode through Pt plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells. (20th November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yu, Wonjong; Lee, Sanghoon; Ryu, Sangbong; Zheng, Chunhua; Cho, Gu Young; Cha, Suk Won
• Is Part Of: International journal of hydrogen energy. Volume 45:Number 57(2020)
• Page Start: 32816
• Page End: 32824
• Publication Date: 2020-11-20
• Subjects: Plasma enhanced atomic layer deposition -- Sputtering -- Thin film -- Nanostructure -- Low temperature solid oxide fuel cells; Hydrogen as fuel -- Periodicals; Hydrogène (Combustible) -- Périodiques; Hydrogen as fuel; Periodicals; 665.81
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2020.03.158
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0360-3199

Abstract

Abstract: Thin-film electrode deposited by sputtering has drawn attention due to high surface area and density of reaction sites for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. However, the nano-column structure of the sputtered film on the nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate has been showing low performances, possibly originated from low in-plane electrical connectivity and limited reaction area at electrolyte/electrode interface. We report here that application of 10 nm thickness of Pt plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) on the nanoporous Ni-based anode and Gd doped ceria (GDC) deposited by sputtering dramatically enhances anodic reactions, significantly reduces ohmic and polarization resistances (25% reduction in ohmic, 50% reduction in polarization resistances), and improves the power density over 60% compared to the bare cells. It is noteworthy that Pt PEALD deposited on the nanoporous GDC layer shows much-improved performance compared to that deposited on the nanoporous anode structure. This is attributed to the enhanced contact area at Pt/GDC interface by exceptional conformal deposition of Pt PEALD and improved reaction sites from surface of GDC anode interlayer. Highlights: 10 nm-thick Pt PEALD was applied to the sputtered Ni-GDC anode. The peak power density of Pt PEALD cell was 60% higher than that of the reference. The enhanced contact area at Pt/GDC interface was attributed to Pt PEALD layer.