Z. Tang, A. Burgess, Northwest Mettech Corp., North Vancouver, BC, Canada; O. Kesler, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
Atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) has emerged as a cost-effective alternative to traditional sintering processes for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFCs) manufacturing. However, the use of plasma spraying for SOFCs presents unique challenges, mainly due to the high porosity required for the electrode layers and fully dense coatings for electrolytes. By using optimized spray conditions combined with appropriate feedstocks, a complete SOFC MEA could be manufactured with an axial plasma spray system. In this paper, the challenges for manufacturing SOFC anodes, electrolytes, and cathodes are addressed. A wide range of particle temperatures and velocities for different feedstocks has been characterized with a particle diagnostic tool, and their effects on coating properties are described.
Summary: Atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) has emerged as a cost-effective alternative to traditional sintering processes for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFCs) manufacturing. However, the use of plasma spraying for SOFCs presents unique challenges, mainly due to the high porosity required for the electrode layers and fully dense coatings for electrolytes. By using optimized spray conditions combined with appropriate feedstocks, a complete SOFC MEA could be manufactured with an axial plasma spray system. In this paper, the challenges for manufacturing SOFC anodes, electrolytes, and cathodes are addressed. A wide range of particle temperatures and velocities for different feedstocks has been characterized with a particle diagnostic tool, and their effects on coating properties are described.
