GAS-TIGHT ELECTROLYTE FOR A HIGH-TEMPERATURE FUEL CELL AND PROCESS FOR PRODUCING THE SAME

摘要

A process is disclosed for producing a gas-tight electrolyte suitable for use in a high-temperature fuel cell. A layer of zirconium oxide partially or entirely stabilised with Y or Sr is first sintered at temperatures below 1250 °C, forming a porous skeleton. A filling material in the form of a glass material and/or glass-ceramic system is then applied to the sintered layer. The skeleton with the filling material applied thereto is heated until the filling material is liquefied and fills the skeleton pores. A gas-tight electrolyte is thus produced which, because of its low compaction temperature in comparison with the present fuel cell production temperature, advantageously dispenses with high-temperature sintering steps.