Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are one of the most promising energy conversion technologies which convert chemical energy directly to electrical energy. SOFCs have high efficiency, high fuel flexibility, low fabrication cost and high potential for co-generation. Although the solid oxide fuel cells have high efficiency, they operate on a low open circuit voltage. Several individual cells are connected in series in order to achieve the required voltage level. These cells are linked together using an appropriate metallic interconnect. However, the weak contact/adhesion as well as the oxide formation between the metal ceramic interface can affect the overall performance. To alleviate this, a current collecting layer that reduces the overall electrical contact resistance and exhibits good stability is needed. Silver nickel circuit pastes are expected to be dense, mechanically strong and have higher conductivity than other high temperature alloys, or conductive ceramics. High performance silver pastes should exhibit properties such as good printability, high efficiency, reliability, durability and long-life even after exposure to high temperatures. The performance of the silver paste has a profound effect on the efficiency and the performance to cost ratio of SOFCs. The objective of this work is to build a measurement system for electrical characterization (sheet resistivity and contact resistivity) of silver nickel circuit pastes and compare the performance with commercially available silver pastes (Heraeus and DAD87) at temperatures up to 600 030AC.
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