A method of fabricating NiO-YSZ (yttria stabilized zirconia) anode substrates was developed using a new pore former, i. e. nickel carbonate NiCO3 • 2Ni(OH)2 • 4H2O, which enables both the shrinkage and porosity, which must be compatible with the that of the electrolyte film and sufficient for the fuel supply and exhaust, respectively, to be easily tailored. In particular, the successful use of nickel carbonate as a pore former, instead of the previously used pore formers, such as graphite, carbon black, and polymer beads, suggests that other zirconium or nickel compound derivatives have the potential to be used as pore formers.

Keywords: Solid oxide fuel cell, Anode, Pore former, Electrolyte, Nickel carbonate.