The Microstructural Reconstruction of Variously Sintered Ni-SDC Cermets Using Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) require optimized anode materials for efficient performance.
• Nickel-samaria-doped ceria (Ni-SDC) cermets are promising anode materials.
• Microstructural features significantly influence SOFC anode performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantitatively correlate first-order microstructural parameters with second-order topological features in Ni-SDC cermets.
• To identify optimal sintering conditions for Ni-SDC cermets used as SOFC anodes.
• To investigate the impact of microstructure on active three-phase boundary length (TPB_L).

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Ni-SDC cermets at various sintering temperatures (1100 °C–1400 °C).
• Microstructural characterization using FIB-SEM nanotomography.
• Advanced image processing and topological analysis, including visualization of active TPB_L.
• Gas flow and pressure drop simulations.

Main Results:

• Established quantitative relationships between microstructural and topological features.
• Identified 1200 °C as the optimal sintering temperature for Ni-SDC cermets.
• Demonstrated the critical role of active TPB_L in electrode performance, especially when phases do not fully percolate.

Conclusions:

• Microstructure-topology relationships are vital for optimizing SOFC anode design.
• Sintering at 1200 °C enhances Ni-SDC cermet microstructure for improved electrode performance.
• Understanding and controlling topological features like active TPB_L is key to advancing SOFC technology.