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Superstructure formation and variation in Ni-GDC cermet anodes in SOFC
Zhi-Peng Li1, Toshiyuki Mori, Graeme John Auchterlonie
1Global Research Center for Environment and Energy based on Nanomaterials Science, National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan. LI.Zhipeng@nims.go.jp
Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics : PCCP
|April 16, 2011
Summary
Mutual diffusion in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes creates mixture zones at grain boundaries, leading to superstructure formation. Understanding this microstructural evolution is key to improving SOFC performance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are advanced energy conversion devices.
- Anode microstructural stability is critical for SOFC performance and longevity.
- Understanding element diffusion and phase formation at the anode is essential for optimizing device efficiency.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the microstructures and elemental distributions within SOFC anodes.
- To investigate the mechanisms behind superstructure formation at grain interiors and boundaries.
- To correlate microstructural evolution with anode performance.
Main Methods:
- Analytical Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for high-resolution imaging.
- Energy-Filtered TEM (EFTEM) for elemental mapping.
- Scanning TEM coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (STEM-EDS) for quantitative elemental analysis.
- Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) for valence state determination.
Main Results:
- Two distinct types of superstructures were observed in grain interiors and at grain boundaries.
- Mutual diffusion of metallic Ni and rare-earth elements (Ce/Gd) occurred over approximately 100 nm at grain boundaries, forming mixture zones.
- Valence state changes of diffusing ions and Ce(4+) reduction to Ce(3+) were identified, correlating with superstructure formation.
Conclusions:
- Mutual diffusion at grain boundaries is the primary driver for boundary superstructure formation.
- Grain interior superstructures result from Ce(4+) reduction during H(2) treatment.
- Enhanced understanding of anode microstructural evolution can guide improvements in SOFC performance.
