Nano-structural Development of Ni/GDC Anode for LT-SOFC by Palladium Infiltration

To clarify the role of nanostructuring process on performance of Ni/GDC cermet anode for low temperature solid oxide fuel cell (LT-SOFC), the anode microstructure of NiO/Ce0.8Gd0. O2-δ (NiO/GDC20) was modified by infiltration of palladium chloride solution. By employing electrochemical Impedance spectroscopy analysis, the effect of Pd-infiltrating on the anodic performance was examined using a symmetric Ni–GDC20/GDC20/Pt electrolyte-supported cell at 400-600 °C. Microstructural development during the infiltrating was investigated by AFM, SEM, TEM, and XPS techniques. The results showed effectiveness of Pd-infiltrated nano particles on the decrease of anodic polarization resistance. It is found that the nanostructural development of Ni/GDC anode via nano-network formation significantly improves the anodic performance.