Sintered Zirconia Electrolyte Films in High-Temperature Fuel Cells

Abstract

Thin‐film fuel cells employing stabilized cubic zirconia as an oxygen anion‐conducting electrolyte depend on an effective separation of fuel gas and air by the dense zirconia electrolyte layer. Fully stabilized solid‐zirconia electrolyte films have been prepared by reactive sintering of zirconia, , and calcium zirconate, . Such films are employed as the electrolyte in high‐temperature fuel cells. Electrolyte film conductivity is at least 50% of that expected from the geometry of test cells. The films are sufficiently pure and gastight to allow near‐theoretiçal open‐circuit voltages to be displayed.