Achieving Robust Redox Stability of SOFC through Ni-YSZ Anode Layer Thinning and Inert Support Mechanical Compensation

The reduction/oxidation (redox) instability of a Ni-based anode during fuel-rich and fuel-lean cycling conditions has been considered as one of the critical factors hindering the widespread application of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In this work, we report a redox-robust tubular SOFC with a thick porous 3Y-TZP support and a thin Ni-YSZ functional anode layer. The peak power density of the 3Y-TZP supported SOFC is 0.25 W cm–2 at 800 °C in hydrogen, and stable operation under different discharge current levels is achieved. The 3Y-TZP supported tubular SOFC survives from seven redox cycles as well as subsequent 100 h of constant current discharge without performance degradation. The high redox stability of the 3Y-TZP supported tubular SOFC is mainly attributed to the combined mechanism of slow oxidation rate, less generated tensile stress, and mechanical strength compensation from the support.