Synthesis of Dispersed and Contiguous Nanoparticles in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrodes

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrodes, after their high temperature sintering, may be impregnated (infiltrated) to deposit nanoparticles within their pores. There are two main motivations for modifying the electrodes: (i) to add catalytic function, and (ii) to enhance electronic or ionic conduction pathways, since either or both may not be sufficient within the as-sintered electrodes. The impregnated particles take on two configurations: dispersed or connected. While dispersed nanoparticles introduce catalysts, connected nanoparticulate networks can add conduction paths in addition to enhancing catalysis. This paper reviews the prevalent SOFC electrode types, the function of the impregnated nanoparticles, and the common impregnation methods. Specific attention is given to the optimal uses of each method, with positives and negatives addressed for each.