SÍNTESE E CARACTERIZAÇÃO DO Ni-BaCe0,2Zr0,7Y0,1O3-δ PARA UTILIZAÇÃO COMO ÂNODO EM CÉLULA A COMBUSTÍVEL DE ÓXIDO SÓLIDO

Abstract

In view of all the environmental problems that have been raised and discussed for some decades, various alternatives have been developed for a generation that partially or totally replaces fossil sources, both in terms of finitude and environmental. Among these alternatives, solid oxide fuel cells are gaining prominence due to their high yield and low waste generation. Like any technological innovation, many challenges are still being overcome and there is a great deal of research demand to improve several parameters of these cells, such as: cell composition materials, temperature of use and energy yield. The present work studied the obtaining and characterization of a cermet formed by a protonic conductor with composition BaCe0,2Zr0,7Y0,1O3-δ (BCZY271) with a second nickel metal phase by the addition of nickel oxide, to test the feasibility of using this composite in solid oxide fuel cell. Three proportions of the blend BCZY271/NiO (30/70, 50/50, 70/30, respectively) were prepared and characterized as to microstructure formed and its electrical properties. The method used for the synthesis of the powder on the phase BCZY271 has modified Pechini, its success in the formation of the composition was confirmed by means of x-Ray Diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy with EDS. The different proportions of the blend BCZY271-NiO sintered on 1400ºC for 4 hours showed proper porosity for using as solid oxide fuel cell electrode. The heat treatment on 900°C for 6 hours in atmosphere of H2 (4%) and Ar (96%) was enough to reduce the oxide nickel to nickel metal. The total electrical conductivity of the samples were suitable for using as a solid oxide fuel cell electrode.