Improving the Stability of Series-Connected Solid Oxide Fuel Cells by Modifying the Electrolyte Composition

YSZ based anode supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) were prepared, and two cells with different electrolyte thicknesses were connected in series for the simulation of a cell-imbalanced fuel cell stack. Pure YSZ cells in a series connection exhibited a rapid degradation when a thick electrolyte cell was operated under a negative voltage. On the other hand, ceria added-YSZ cells in a series connection were stable under similar operating conditions, and the power density and impedance were about the same as those before tests. The improved stability was due to the reduction of internal partial pressure in the electrolyte by locally increasing the electronic conduction. Thus, we propose a new protection method, i.e., the local addition of ceria in the YSZ electrolyte, to extend the lifetime of a cell-imbalanced SOFC stack.