Nanocomposite Ni-CGO synthesized by the citric method as a substrate for thin-film IT-SOFC

Ni-ceria cermets have been extensively investigated as candidates for the anode in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. We have used the citric method to synthesize nanocomposite powders consisting of NiO (Ni metal content: 40-60% by volume) highly dispersed in Ce_0.9Gd _0.1O_1.95 (CGO). The microstructure characteristics and sintering behaviors of the nanocomposites were investigated. No impurity phases were observed and the shrinkage of these substrates matched well with that of a CGO electrolyte with a specific surface area of 11 m²/g. Densification of the CGO electrolyte layer to <5 μm thickness was achieved by co-firing the laminated electrolyte with the porous NiO-CGO substrate at 1400°C for 6 h.