L. Jia, F. Gitzhofer, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
In this paper, two techniques of plasma spraying – solution plasma spraying (SolPS) and suspension plasma spraying (SPS) – were used to produce nanostructured electrolytes. Plasma spraying processes have been optimized and tailored in order to achieve a high power density electrolyte. The comparisons of two plasma spraying processes address on electrolyte porosity, cracking, adhesion as well as interfacial resistance. The microstructure of depositions was characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was applied to investigate the electrolyte resistance. Crystallite size and homogeneity of the synthesized electrolytes has been studied as a function of the electrolyte performance.
Summary: My Ph.D. project is "Fully Integrated Nano-Structural SOFCs Synthesis Using Solution/Suspension Plasma Spray Technology". Some students have been using the solution plasma spraying process to produce the SOFC electrolyte in our lab during these years. However, the SOFC power density is not sufficient. I am beginning to use the suspension plasma spraying process to product the electrolyte, hope to get interesting results
