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Review a Comparative of the Use of Pore Formers to Increase Porosity in Planar Anode Elements of NiO YSZ Based SOFCs

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Abstract:

This paper discussed various types of pore formers that have previously been applied as porosity enhancers in the NiO YSZ-based planar SOFC anode since porosity plays an important role to easily diffuse the fuel, thus increasing the triple-phase boundary area and electrochemical performance. Therefore, this study emphasized reviewing recent experiments to find out more effective pore formers by making a comparison between natural (rice starch), polymer-based (PMMA), and carbon-based materials such as graphite. It has been found that rice starch at 7 vol.% gives 10.05% porosity at 1000 °C while activated carbon graphite gives only 4.25%. PMMA shows the highest porosity of 41% at 30 vol.% at 250 °C with almost no residue left behind as proven via TGA analysis which showed only about 0.7%. These findings highlight not only the benefits but also the compromises of each approach, whether in terms of residue formation, mechanical stability, or processing cost. The review further suggests that hybrid strategies, which combine different poreformers, could offer a more balanced route toward improved microstructures. Finally, future directions are outlined, with emphasis on nanostructured agents, scalable fabrication methods, and techno-economic considerations to support the commercial adoption of SOFC technology.

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Periodical:

Materials Science Forum (Volume 1194)

Pages:

85-94

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4028/p-bOjK1h

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Online since:

June 2026

Authors:

Muhammad Naufal Amanullah*, Sulistyo Sulistyo, Mohammad Tauviqirrahman

Keywords:

Activated Carbon, Anode, NiO YSZ, Polymer Pore Former, Pore Former, Porosity, Rice Starch, SOFC

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© 2026 Trans Tech Publications Ltd. All Rights Reserved

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