Low-temperature processing of thin-film electrolyte for electrochemical devices

Thin-film electrolyte processing has become a key issue for the development of electrochemical devices such as solid oxide fuel cells, because reducing resistance of the electrolyte is critical to enhancing cell performance. In this study, yttrium-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin film, 1-2 mum thick, electrolyte has been prepared on dense and porous substrates using a combination of colloidal suspensions and polymer precursors at annealing temperatures <1000 degrees C. Use of processing temperatures <1000degreesC minimizes interfacial reactions between electrolyte and anode/cathode materials. The conductivity of the thin film annealed at 900degreesC was measured and was the same as that of bulk YSZ and the processing temperature to obtain such conductivity was as low as 400degreesC. (C) 2004 The Electrochemical Society.