Meso-structure modification on surface of electrolyte YSZ used for solid oxide fuel cells

8YSZ electrolyte green bodies were prepared by dry pressing or tape casting, and then the surfaces of the 8YSZ electrolyte bodies were modified by printing or imprinting method. The effect of the electrolyte surface patterns on the polarization resistances was investigated. The results show that the polarization resistances of all surface-modified samples are reduced compared to unmodified samples. For the samples modified by printing, the polarization resistance of the samples with grid, stripe and dot patterns are 0.06, 0.09 and 0.06 Ω·cm², decreasing by 45%, 18% and 45%, respectively, compared to unmodified samples. For the samples modified by imprinting, the polarization resistance of samples grid1 and grid2 are 0.07 and 0.08 Ω·cm², decreasing by 36% and 27%, respectively, compared to unmodified samples. Moreover, it is indicated that the polarization resistance is dependent on the surface area of electrolyte.