ELECTROLESS DEPOSITION OF ELECTRODES IN SOLID-OXIDE FUEL-CELLS

This study demonstrates the use of electroless deposition for depositing anode and cathode electrocatalysts in solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Ni, Pd, and Ag films produced by electroless deposition techniques were in intimate contact with the electrolyte yttria-stabilized zirconia, and were found to catalyze SOFC anodic and cathodic reactions. Power densities of such cells were in the range of 0.33 W/cm2 at 800-degrees-C. The operating life is low due to agglomeration of the anode and densification of the cathode. For intermediate temperature range SOFCs electroless deposition is an alternative technique for electrode preparation, if long-term stability can be attained.