A low-Cr metallic interconnect for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 2007 · Nature Materials

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2007.05.022· OSTI ID:978254

Geng, Shujiang ^[1]; Zhu, Jiahong ^[1]; Brady, Michael P ^[1]; Anderson, Harlan ^[2]; ZHOU, XIADONG ^[3]; YANG, ZHENGUO ^[3]

---

1. ORNL
2. University of Missouri, Rolla
3. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL)

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) have attracted significant attention due to the potential for environmentally-friendly power generation with high efficiency, fuel flexibility, and zero/no emissions. However, the main hurdles thwarting the commercial introduction of SOFCs are the stack cost and durability, particularly related to the long-term stability of stack/cell materials such as the interconnect 1-3. There has been recent interest in utilizing the Cr2O3-forming alloys as interconnect for intermediate-temperature SOFCs4-6. As a consequence, volatile Cr species from the Cr2O3 scale can cause severe degradation of electrical and catalytic properties of the cathode7-9. Here, we report a new low-Cr Fe-Co-Ni base alloy that demonstrates a close match in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) with adjacent cell components; good oxidation resistance; and low oxide scale area specific resistance (ASR). The formation of a Cr-free (Fe,Co,Ni)3O4 spinel outer layer over the chromia inner layer upon thermal exposure effectively reduces the chromium evaporation.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
• Sponsoring Organization: FE USDOE - Office of Fossil Energy (FE)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-00OR22725
• OSTI ID: 978254
• Journal Information: Nature Materials, Journal Name: Nature Materials Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 172
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English