Yttrium- and zirconium-containing solutions, so-called precursors, were deposited by electrostatic spray deposition on anode substrates of solid oxide fuel cells. Metal-organic precursors as well as nitrate-based precursors were used. The influence of the deposition temperature, the ion concentration in the solution, the type of solvent, the spray distance and the high voltage on the layer morphology is discussed. Leakage rate measurements were carried out to qualify the gas-tightness of the layers produced.

Keywords: fuel cells; ZrO(2); precursors-organic; electrostatic spray deposition