Additive manufacturing of thin electrolyte layers via inkjet printing of highly-stable ceramic inks

Inkjet printing is a promising alternative for the fabrication of thin film components for solid oxide fuel cells(SOFCs) due to its contactless, mask free, and controllable printing process. In order to obtain satisfying electrolyte thin layer structures in anode-supported SOFCs, the preparation of suitable electrolyte ceramic inks is a key. At present, such a kind of 8 mol% Y_(2)O_(3)-stabilized ZrO_(2)(8 YSZ) electrolyte ceramic ink with long-term stability and high solid loading(> 15 wt%) seems rare for precise inkjet printing, and a number of characterization and performance aspects of the inks, such as homogeneity, viscosity, and printability, should be studied. In this study, 8 YSZ ceramic inks of varied compositions were developed for inkjet printing of SOFC ceramic electrolyte layers. The dispersing effect of two types of dispersants, i.e., polyacrylic acid ammonium(PAANH4) and polyacrylic acid(PAA), were compared. The results show that ultrasonic dispersion treatment can help effectively disperse the ceramic particles in the inks. PAANH4 has a better dispersion effect for the inks developed in this study. The inks show excellent printable performance in the actual printing process. The stability of the ink can be maintained for a storage period of over 30 days with the help of initial ultrasonic dispersion. Finally, micron-size thin 8 YSZ electrolyte films were successfully fabricated through inkjet printing and sintering, based on the as-developed high solid loading 8 YSZ inks(20 wt%). The films show fully dense and intact structural morphology and smooth interfacial bonding, offering an improved structural quality of electrolyte for enhanced SOFC performance.

Preparation of P(St-NMA)microsphere inks and their application in photonic crystal patterns with brilliant structural colors

Patterned photonic crystals with structural colors on textile substrates have attracted a special attention due to the great advantages in application,which currently become a research hot-spot.This study utilized an ink-jet printing technology to prepare high-quality photonic crystal patterns with structural colors on polyester substrates.The self-assembly temperature of poly(styrene-N-methylol acrylamide)(P(St-NMA))microspheres set to construct photonic crystals were deeply optimized.Moreover,the structural colors of prepared photonic crystal patterns were characterized and evaluated.When the mass fraction of P(St-NMA)microspheres was 1.0 wt.%,the pH value ranged from 5 to 7,and the surface tension was in the range of 63.79 to 71.20 mN/m,inks could present the best print performance.At 60°C,prepared P(St-NMA)microsphere inks were good for printing to obtain patterned photonic crystals with regular arrangement and beautiful structural colors.Specifically,photonic crystals with different colors could be constructed by regulating the diameter of microspheres in inks,and prepared structural colors exhibited distinct iridescent phenomenon.The present results could provide a theoretical basis for the industrial realization of patterned photonic crystals by ink-jet printing technology.