Fabrication of La_0.8Sr_0.2Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O_3-δ-based micro-tubular SOFC single cells via electrophoretic deposition

Micro-tubular solid oxide fuel cells with La_0.8Sr_0.2Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O_3-δ (LSGM) electrolytes were fabricated by an electrophoretic deposition (EPD). Four layers of anode support, an anode functional layer, a buffer layer, and an electrolyte layer were successively deposited on a graphite rod via EPD, and the resulting architecture was subsequently sintered. The stability of slurries prepared for the EPD process was controlled by the pH, conductivity, and zeta potential. While the electrical conductivity of slurry increased with an increase in the amount of phosphate ester as a charging agent, the pH decreased. The thickness of the deposited layers increased with the applied voltage and deposition time. A micro-tubular SOFC single cell with the configuration of Ni-GDC anode support/Ni-GDC anode functional layer (AFL)/LDC buffer/LSGM electrolyte/ La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O_3-δ-Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_1.95 (LSCF-GDC) cathode showed a maximum power density of 0.51 W/cm² at 800^oC.