Heterogeneous films of ordered CeO(2)/Ni concentric nanostructures for fuel cell applications

Heterogeneous films of ordered CeO(2)/Ni concentric nanostructures have been fabricated through template-assisted electrodeposition. The free-standing films of Ni metal (8 mum thickness) contain ordered arrays of ceria tubes (200 nm OD, 100 nm ID). Ni/CeO(2) coaxial nanotubes were also obtained by tuning experimental conditions. The interfacial contact area within the 3-dimensional oxide nanotube/nickel matrix is approximately 100 times greater than 2-dimensional thin films of nickel and ceria of the same area. The use of the film as an anode electrocatalyst/current collector is demonstrated in a solid oxide fuel cell.