Metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell and manufacturing method thereof

Abstract

Disclosed are a metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell and a method for manufacturing the metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell. The method includes: fixedly joining a metal support to one surface of a unit cell including a fuel electrode, an air electrode and an electrolyte layer interposed between the fuel and air electrodes to fabricate a metal-supported unit cell (S); fixing a first separator to the surface of the metal support opposite to the surface thereof to which the unit cell is joined (S); and assembling the first separator to which the metal-supported unit cell is fixed, an insulating member, a first current collecting member and a second separator (S). In the metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell, the metal support having a hollow portion in place of a mesh type current collector can be securely sealed to the first separator by direct welding to allow the fuel gas and air to be supplied to the unit cell through respective defined flow passages without being mixed or leakage. Due to this construction, the metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell is stable and has high energy production efficiency. Furthermore, the metal-supported solid oxide fuel cell has sufficient mechanical strength, resulting in improved durability and extended service life.