ABSTRACT
The electrical requirements for self-supported and supported zirconia based ceramic electrolytes incorporated into planar SOFC configurations are briefly surveyed. Factors influencing the performance of porous La(Sr)MnO3 cathodes and Ni-ZrO2 anodes are considered to ensure that power densities of 0.2W/cm2 (0.7V at 300mA/cm2) can be reliably developed at operating temperatures of 950°C. The mechanical properties of self-supported zirconia components are next discussed and the need for high temperature mechanical property data emphasised so that life-time predictions can be made.
