Pore-Forming Agents for the Supporting Ni-Based SOFC Anode

The effect of the type (semolina, starch, and ashless filter paper) and amount (5 and 10 wt %) of pore-forming agents on the structure of supporting Ni-cermet anodes and characteristics of solid-oxide fuel cells on their basis has been studied. It has been found that the use of paper fibers as the pore-forming agent doubles the open porosity of the anode as compared with equal amounts of semolina or starch. It has been shown that the long cylindrical pores formed by fibers allow fast transport of gases through the anode bulk, which has a positive effect on the fuel cell characteristics.