Metal-supported microtubular solid oxide fuel cells with ceria-based electrolytes

Metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are expected to lower operating temperature and improve reliability. The residual crushing strength and electrical conductivity of porous metallic nickel microtubes were higher than those of nickel-gadolinia-doped ceria (Ni-GDC) cermets. The maximum power density of the metal-supported microtubular SOFC with GDC electrolyte was approximately three times higher than that of a conventional anode-supported microtubular SOFC with yttria-stabilized zirconia electrolyte at a relatively low temperature of 550°C. The metal-supported microtubular SOFCs have a potential to be applied not only in stationary devices, such as residential combined heat/power systems, but also in portable power sources and vehicles.