Pulsed laser deposition of YSZ electrolyte layer obtained by hot pressing of the target

Abstract

The article describes a technique of the hot pressing yttrium stabilized zirconium target for use in a pulsed laser deposition of the electrolyte layer for solid oxide fuel cells. Hot pressed target made of zirconium stabilized with yttrium percentage of ZrO₂ and Y₂O₃ components are 92:8%. It is shown analytical studies and the results of the parameters of obtained target and deposited electrolytic layer on the silicon substrate (SEM, AFM, EDX). Scientific work aimed at solving urgent problems to reduce the operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cells from 850 - 1000 °C to 400 - 550 °C, which is achievable, as the results of research, with a decrease of the electrolyte thickness layer deposited thin-film technology and ultra-thin electrolyte deposited for the purpose of reducing the operating temperature, the size and weight of the fuel cell. Morphology studies showed the formation of a rough surface. Elemental analysis of the deposited YSZ electrolyte layer revealed an 8% of yttrium content in the structure, and zirconium was half as much.