Preparation of NiO-YSZ tubular support with radially aligned pore channels

A porous NiO-YSZ tubular support with radially aligned pore channels was prepared by freeze-drying of a water-based slurry. The slurry was frozen, controlling the growth direction of the ice, and it was sublimated at a reduced pressure. After sintering, the support tube showed radially aligned large pore channels parallel to the ice growth direction, and fine pores are formed around the outer surface of the tube. Bilayer consisting of dense thin electrolyte film of YSZ onto the support has been successfully fabricated using a slurry-coating process followed by co-firing. It is regarded that such a unique bilayer structure is suitable for constructing electrode-supported type electrochemical cells. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.