Properties and development of Ni/YSZ as an anode material in solid oxide fuel cell: A review

In recent times, synthesis, development and fabrication of anode component of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) have gained a significant importance, especially after the advent of anode supported SOFC. The function of the anode electrode involves the facilitation of fuel gas diffusion, oxidation of the fuel, transport of electrons and transport of by-product of the electrochemical reaction. Although impressive progress has been made in the development of alternative anode materials with mixed conducting properties and few of the other composite cermets, Ni/YSZ continues to be the most sought after anode for high temperature SOFC applications. Despite of its poor carburization and sulfidation capabilities during the operation of SOFC directly on hydrocarbons, Ni/YSZ continues to be the most opted anode electrode material due to its high catalytic activity for hydrogen oxidation, methane reforming, high electronic and ionic conductivity and stability.