Properties of Ni/YSZ cermet materials with addition of Al2O3

The composite anode material for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) based on Ni/3YSZ (where 3YSZ means 3 mol% Y2O3 in ZrO2) has been prepared (by means of modified citric method) and studied (structure, microstructure and electrical properties). In order to improve ionic conductivity of 3YSZ, Al2O3 was added at a synthesis stage to cermet material. The application of co-precipitation synthesis method results in obtaining uniform, nanometric powders. The methods of thermal analysis (TG/DTA/EGA and dilatometry) were used to determine thermal treatment of samples and to study mechanical compatibility of electrolyte and cermet anode material. The results of electrical properties measurements show that the addition of small amount of Al2O3 to 3YSZ causes its conductivity improvement and this effect is strongest for the smallest amount of Al2O3.