Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering

A Study on the Performance Enhancement of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells by Controlling the Infiltration Molar Concentration of PNO: Miju Ku, Jisung Yoon, Young-Beom Kim; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2025;42(11):943-947.
Published online November 1, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.025.076

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In this study, we employed an infiltration technique to create a nanostructured functional layer, enhancing the electrochemically active area in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). We infiltrated Pr₂NiO_4+δ (PNO) into a porous GDC electrolyte, resulting in a nanostructured catalytic layer. We characterized its microstructure and cross-sectional morphology using field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The electrochemical performance was assessed at 750°C with a NiO-YSZ/YSZ/GDC half-cell configuration. The reference cell without PNO infiltration achieved a maximum power density of 2.07 W/cm², while the cell with 0.05 M PNO infiltration reached an improved value of 2.55 W/cm². These results demonstrate that by optimizing the infiltration concentration of PNO, we can fabricate a high-performance nanostructured functional layer without adding extra thickness, confirming infiltration as an effective strategy for enhancing SOFC performance.

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Tape-casting Process Electrochemical Characteristic Test for Fabrication of LST-GDC for Anode Supported SOFCs: Min Ji Kim, Chunghyun Kim, Young-Beom Kim; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2025;42(11):937-942.
Published online November 1, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.025.073

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In this study, we developed a composite anode support composed of La-doped SrTiO₃ (LST) and Gd-doped CeO₂ (GDC) using a tape casting process for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). By adjusting the pore former content in the slurry, we constructed a bilayered structure consisting of a porous anode support layer (ASL) and a dense anode functional layer (AFL) with the same material composition. The number of tape-cast sheets was controlled to tailor the overall thickness, and lamination followed by co-sintering at 1250^oC resulted in a mechanically robust bilayer. We characterized the microstructural evolution concerning sintering temperature and pore former content using SEM, while XRD confirmed the phase stability of LST and GDC. The measured electrical conductivity at 750^oC ensured sufficient electron transport. To enhance interfacial adhesion and suppress secondary phase formation, we introduced a GDC buffer layer and a pre-sintering treatment prior to electrolyte deposition. A full cell with a YSZ electrolyte and LSCF cathode achieved a stable open circuit voltage of approximately 0.7 V and demonstrated continuous operation at 750^oC. These findings highlight the suitability of LST-GDC composite anodes as thermochemically stable supports, potentially enabling direct hydrocarbon utilization in intermediate-temperature SOFCs.

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Pinhole Detection in Thin Film Solid Oxide Electrolytes Using Selective Adsorption of Ag Nanoparticles via a Spark Discharge Generator: Doyoon Kim, Ikwhang Chang, Jong Dae Baek; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2025;42(6):441-446.
Published online June 1, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.025.024

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Pinhole-free ionic conductors are critical to achieve optimal performance in thin film-solid oxide fuel cells (TF-SOFCs). However, nanoscale defects, especially pinholes, can induce current leakage and contribute to cell failure by creating electrical short circuits. This study introduced a novel methodology for detecting pinholes in yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) thin-film solid oxide electrolytes. The approach utilized selective adsorption of silver (Ag) nanoparticles generated via a spark discharge generator (SDG). Analytical techniques, including focused ion beam (FIB), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were employed to investigate interactions between Ag nanoparticles and nanoscale defects. Results showed that nanoparticle-based diagnostic methods were efficacious for defect characterization, offering a solution for enhancing the quality of thin-film electrolytes.

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Fabrication of LSC Cathode for High-performance Solid Oxide Fuel Cell with Suppressed LSC/YSZ Interface Side Reactions: Jisung Yoon, Miju Ku, Hyojun Ahn, Hunhun Jung, Young-Beom Kim; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2025;42(5):361-366.
Published online May 1, 2025; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.025.008

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In this study, we introduce a novel flash light sintering (FLS) method to address the issue of secondary phase formation in conventional high-temperature thermal sintering processes. The microstructure and cross section of the Lanthanum strontium cobalt (LSC) air electrode were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). The presence of secondary phases was evaluated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) in SEM. Electrochemical performance was assessed using NiO-YSZ anode-supported LSC cathode cells at 750oC. The maximum power density of the thermally sintered LSC cathode at 900oC was 272.4 mW/cm², while the flash light sintered LSC cathode by 18.5 J/cm² achieved 2,222 mW/cm². These results demonstrate that the flash light sintering process can effectively prevent secondary phase formation and successfully sinter the electrode, thereby enhancing the performance and reliability of SOFCs.

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Performance Analysis according to Microstructure of Anode Function Layer based on Porous Metal Substrate for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Jisung Yoon, Young-Beom Kim; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2024;41(10):777-781.
Published online October 1, 2024; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.024.002

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In this study, to improve the performance of a solid oxide fuel cell based on a porous metal support, a fuel cell using a multi-layered anode functional layer was fabricated and electrochemical performance analysis was performed. Surface and cross-sectional microstructures according to particle size control were confirmed through FE-SEM. The pore size of the multi-layer anode functional layer was gradually reduced compared to that of a single-structure anode functional layer. As a result, it was confirmed that the surface roughness was lower than that of the single structure. This led to a reduction in polarization resistance through smooth transmission of gas generated from the electrode. As a result, it was confirmed that electrochemical performance was improved by more than 1.25 times in fuel cells using a multi-layered anode functional layer compared to that with a single structure.

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Fabrication of Platinum-Samarium Doped Ceria Composite Cathode Using Sputtering Technique: Yongchan Park, Davin Jeong, Hyeontaek Kim, Hyeongmin Kim, Soonwook Hong; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2023;40(11):915-919.
Published online November 1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.023.049

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In this study, we successfully demonstrated a fuel cell fabrication method using a platinum-samarium-doped ceria (Pt-SDC) composite cathode, which could reduce the platinum content while maintaining the same thickness as the functional layer. The Pt-SDC composite cathode was deposited by a sputtering process in which two materials were simultaneously deposited by a co-sputtering system. Despite the decreased platinum content in the composite cathode, we achieved high performance of the fuel cell since Pt-SCD was able to form triple-phase boundaries (TPBs) not only at the interface between the cathode and the electrolyte but at the entire volumetric surface of the cathode. This composite cathode revealed that Pt-SDC could enhance the oxygen reduction reaction rate by enlarging the TPB site in the cathode. The fuel cell fabricated in this study with a composite cathode demonstrated improved performance at 1.66 times the peak power density of a pristine fuel cell.

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Resistant Characteristics of AAO-Based Thin Film Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Using Ni-GDC Anode by GLAD Method: Jaewon Yoo, Myung Seok Lee, Yang Jae Kim, Suk Won Cha; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2023;40(4):335-340.
Published online April 1, 2023; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.022.135

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In this study, we fabricated thin film solid oxide fuel cells on nanoporous anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) substrate for low-temperature operation using the all-through sputtering method. To deposit up to a three-micrometer thick anode with both porosity and electrical conductivity, we used the glancing angle deposition and co-sputtering methods. For the anode materials, we used nickel gadolinium-doped-ceria (Ni-GDC) mixed ionic and electronic conductor (MIEC), which improved hydrogen oxidation reaction reactivity at the anode side. TF-SOFCs were successfully operated at 500℃, and 223.6 mW/cm² was their highest measured maximum power density. We conducted structural and electrochemical analyses to figure out cells’ unique resistant characteristics; ohmic resistance through the anode thin film and polarization resistance of reaction area near the narrowed anode pores. We found how the anode thin film thickness affects the current collecting performance and the anode reactivity, and their effects were qualitatively and quantitatively compared.

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Development of Thin Film Solid Oxide Fuel Cell for Direct Use of Hydrocarbon Fuels: Gu Young Cho, Yoon Ho Lee; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2022;39(10):773-777.
Published online October 1, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.022.039

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Energy devices in modern society require high efficiency, carbon neutrality, and the capability of distributed power generation. A fuel cell is an energy conversion device, that satisfies all of these requirements. However, most fuel cells use hydrogen as a fuel, and more than half of hydrogen is currently produced through hydrocarbon reforming, resulting in significant energy loss. Additionally, the storage and supply of hydrogen require costly systems, and a large amount of energy is consumed during compression or liquidation processes. This paper develops a solid oxide fuel cell, that uses hydrocarbon directly as fuel to resolve this problem. A small amount of Ru is mixed with the Ni-based electrode, for the effective internal reforming of hydrocarbons. For rapid deposition of YSZ electrolytes, we developed a reactive sputtering process, using a DC power source. The developed thin-film solid oxide fuel cell, showed a performance of 76 mW/cm² at 500℃ using methane as fuel.

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Cathodic Functional Layer via Sputtering and Atomic Layer Deposition for Thin-Film Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Jaeyoon Lee, Sanghyeok Lee, Hyeontaek Kim, Yongchan Park, Geunjin Lee, Changheon Lee, Sunggyu Choi, Soonwook Hong; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2022;39(2):97-102.
Published online February 1, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.021.123

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In this study, Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) functional layers were applied with different thin-film fabrication process such as sputtering and atomic layer deposition (ALD) to enhance oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for solid oxide fuel cells. We confirmed that the YSZ functional layer deposited with sputtering showed relatively low grain boundary density, while the YSZ functional layer deposited with the ALD technique clearly indicated high grain boundary density through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffractometry (XRD) results. The YSZ functional layer coated with the ALD technique revealed that more ORR kinetics can occur using high grain boundary density than the functional layer deposited with sputtering. The peak power density of the SOFC deposited with ALD YSZ indicates 2-folds enhancement than the pristine SOFC.

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Ultra-Fast Fabrication of YSZ Electrolyte via Flash Light Sintering with ESB Sintering Aid for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Yonghyun Lim, Young-Beom Kim; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2022;39(2):103-108.
Published online February 1, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.021.120

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A high temperature sintering process for solid electrolyte is the main cause of the increase in manufacturing costs of SOFCs. In this study, we developed a novel flash light sintering technique as an alternative sintering process of the conventional thermal sintering process. The YSZ electrolyte films were fabricated by conventional screen-printing method and the flash light sintering process and ESB sintering aid were applied to improve the flash light sinterability of the YSZ electrolyte. In the flash light sintering process, the effect of various pulse conditions such as energy density, and pulse interval were investigated and the microstructure, crystallinity, and sintering behavior of the sintered films were analyzed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the flash light sintering process. The flash light sintered YSZ electrolyte layer was used to fabricate the anode-supported SOFCs and its functionality is successfully demonstrated with the high open circuit voltage. The significance of this study includes minimization of the process time from tens of hours to just a few seconds, thus facilitating the commercialization of SOFCs.

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Co-Sputtered Pt-Ru Catalytic Functional Layer for Direct-Methane Fueled Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: Hyong June Kim, Byung Chan Yang, Jaehyeong Lee, Sung Eun Jo, Geonwoo Park, Sanghoon Ji, Jihwan An; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2022;39(2):91-95.
Published online February 1, 2022; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.021.119

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Solid oxide fuel cell is a next generation energy conversion device that can efficiently convert the chemical energy of fuel into electrical energy. Fuel flexibility is one of the advantages of SOFCs over other types of fuel cells. SOFCs can operate with hydrocarbon type fuel. While nickel based composite is commonly used in direct methane fueled SOFC anode because of its great catalytic activity for methane reforming, the direct use of hydrocarbon fuels with pure Ni anode is usually insufficient for facile anode kinetics, and also deactivates the anode activity because of carbon deposition upon prolonged operation. In this report, the Ni based anodes with 20 nm thick catalytic functional layers, i.e., Pt, Ru, and Pt-Ru alloy, are fabricated by using the co-sputtering method to enhance the anode activity and power density of direct-methane SOFC operating at 500℃.

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A doped cobaltite for enhanced SOFCs fed with dry biogas
Sebastian Vecino-Mantilla, Massimiliano Lo Faro
Electrochimica Acta.2023; 464: 142927. CrossRef

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A Study on the Introduction of Natural Gas-Fueled Solid Oxide Fuel Cells as Distributed Generation System for Electric Power Backup in North Korea: Obeen Kwon, Hyeonjin Cha, Heesoo Choi, Hongnyoung Yoo, Jaeyeon Kim, Hyeok Kim, Taehyun Park; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2021;38(4):305-314.
Published online April 1, 2021; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.020.116

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This paper reports the effectiveness of the introduction of NGDG-SOFC (Natural Gas-Fueled Distributed Generation Solid Oxide Fuel Cell) as a solution to social problems that could arise in the unification era due to the power shortage in North Korea. Under the actual operating conditions of the plant, a stack that operates at a voltage of 33.87 V and current of 31.24 A was modeled with a gross output of 1.06 kW and a net output of 1.00 kW considering the balance of plant (BOP) consumption power. Considering the average primary energy consumption in the ASEAN countries in 2020, 2,870 MW was estimated as the amount of power generation required in North Korea. Also, the gross area of the plant and the annual fuel cost were estimated. Consequently, it is concluded that the area of 861 km2 which corresponds to 0.71 percent of the gross area of North Korea, and fuel cost of about 1,474 million $/year are required. The introduction of NGDG-SOFC plants is believed to follow the global trend of renewable energy and resolving the power shortage in North Korea in an eco-friendly manner.

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Distributed generation parameter optimization method based on fuzzy C-means clustering under the Internet of Things architecture
Xin Yao, Liyun Xing, Ping Xin
Energy Reports.2021; 7: 106. CrossRef

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Preparation of SrCo_0.8Nb_0.1Ta_0.1O_3-δ as a Cathode for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells by Pulsed Laser Deposition: Sangbong Ryu, Wonjong Yu, Arunkumar Pandiyan, Sanghoon Lee, Wonyeop Jeong, In won Choi, Myung Seok Lee, Suk Won Cha; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2020;37(1):83-87.
Published online January 1, 2020; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/JKSPE.019.051

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Recently, new perovskite cathode material, SrCo_0.8Nb_0.1Ta0.1O_3-δ (SCNT) was reported, showing high oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity. This study demonstrates thin film deposition of SCNT by pulsed laser deposition technique applied to anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) based thin-film solid oxide fuel cells (TF-SOFCs) to assess the possibility of SCNT application to TF-SOFCs. The SCNT powder and the target were prepared by the solid state reactive sintering method (SSRS). This target was then mounted to the pulsed laser depositing machine and deposited on the Si wafer, and the nano-porous substrate, AAO. The physical structure and the chemical phase were investigated by the field emission scanning electron microscope, focused ion beam scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction. On the top of the AAO, thin Pt film and yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were first deposited by sputtering and the SCNT was deposited on the top of it afterward. The open circuit voltage of AAO cell was tested at 500°C, and successful polarization activity of SCNT was observed.

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Experimental Analysis of Performance Variation on Thin Film Solid Oxide Fuel Cell with Different Cathode Area Sizes: Jong Dae Baek, Ikwhang Chang; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2019;36(12):1183-1187.
Published online December 1, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/KSPE.2019.36.12.1183

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To study the geometrical scale dependency of thin film solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), we fabricated three thin films SOFCs with the same cross-sectional structure but with different electrode areas of 1, 4 and 9 ㎟. Since the activation and ohmic losses of SOFCs depend on their active region, we examined the variations of the power density of the cells with a Pt (anode)/sputtered YSZ/Pt (cathode) structure. We found that a cathode electrode with a low aspect ratio may suffer from high ohmic and activation losses because of the geometrical scale dependency.

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Reducing the Process Energy through Applying Plasma in Atomic Layer Deposition of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrolyte: Sanghoon Ji; J. Korean Soc. Precis. Eng. 2019;36(5):515-519.
Published online May 1, 2019; DOI: https://doi.org/10.7736/KSPE.2019.36.5.515

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The energy saving effect of reactant plasma in Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) of ultrathin solid oxide fuel cell electrolyte was examined by measuring electrical current in real time. Actuating a plasma generator led to a remarkable change in electric current and therefore a Plasma Enhanced ALD (PE-ALD) Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) supercycle demanded ~12% higher process energy than a Thermal ALD (T-ALD) YSZ supercycle. Nonetheless, because PE-ALD YSZ electrolyte providing higher growth rate and higher gas tightness needed 2 times smaller cycle number compared to T-ALD YSZ electrolyte, applying oxygen plasma in ALD of YSZ electrolyte resultantly reduced total process energy by ~44%.