Vat photopolymerization 3D printing of NiO-YSZ anode for solid oxide fuel cells

Additive manufacturing has emerged as a promising technique in energy device research, owing to its ability to fabricate programmable geometries. Nevertheless, it remains a significant challenge to prepare three-dimensional electrode structures with finely resolved features. Herein, we propose a vat photopolymerization (VP) 3D printing process for Nickel Oxide-Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (NiO-YSZ) anode structure of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). A photosensitive NiO-YSZ slurry was prepared with appropriate curing properties, low viscosity, and stability. Optimal debinding processes, determined through thermo-gravimetric analysis, were employed to prevent green part cracking and deformation. Microstructural analysis demonstrated a uniform and finely distributed pore structure in the anode. Remarkably, cells featuring the VP-printed NiO-YSZ anode demonstrated notable performance with peak power densities of 239 mW·cm-2, 364 mW·cm-2, and 536 mW·cm-2 at 750 °C, 800 °C, and 850 °C, respectively. This novel method opens avenues for enhancing the performance of SOFCs through the optimization of anode structure.