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Microstructural and chemical evolution near anode triple phase boundary in Ni/YSZ solid oxide fuel cells

Journal Article · · Solid State Ionics

In this study, we report the microstructural and chemical evolution of anode grain boundaries and triple phase boundary (TPB) junctions of Ni/YSZ anode supported solid oxide fuel cells. A NiO phase was found to develop along the Ni/YSZ interfaces extending to TPBs in the operated cells. The thickness of the NiO ribbon phase remains constant at ~5 nm in hydrogen for operating durations up to 540 h. When operating on synthesis gas, an increase in interphase thickness was observed from ~11 nm for 24 h of operation to ~51 nm for 550 h of operation. YSZ phases are observed to be stable in H2 over 540 h of operation. However, for the cell operated in syngas for 550 h, a 5–10 nm tetragonal YSZ (t-YSZ) interfacial layer was identified that originated from the Ni/YSZ interfaces. Yttrium species seem to segregate to the interfaces during operation, leading to the formation of t-YSZ in the Y-depleted regions.

Research Organization:
National Energy Technology Laboratory - In-house Research
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
DOE Contract Number:
FE0004000
OSTI ID:
1052201
Report Number(s):
TPR-3529
Journal Information:
Solid State Ionics, Journal Name: Solid State Ionics Vol. 204-205; ISSN 0167-2738
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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