Publication date: 10th April 2024
The composite of nickel and yttria stabilised zirconia (Ni-YSZ) is a frequent choice as the fuel electrode in solid oxide cells (SOC). Despite progress in electrode research, many degradation mechanisms are still up for debate and degradation is usually correlated with operating conditions. However, the determination of degradation mechanisms during device-scale testing remains complicated due to the intertwined effects of temperature, gas phase, overpotential and material properties. The microstructural variations in the porous electrodes introduce further uncertainties as local conditions vary and destructive sample preparation is required to assess the microstructure. This makes it difficult to directly relate microstructural changes to the electrochemical measurements.
Hence, complementary tools and experiments are warranted. Here, we present an approach based on a thin nickel film/YSZ electrode featuring a well-defined and controlled triple phase boundary for the conversion of H2O to H2 or vice versa without distributions in temperature and gas phase. Sample fabrication in clean room facilities using photolithography and magnetron sputtering provides micrometre-controlled electrode dimensions. Single atmosphere testing with a non-polarised control probe electrode grants the opportunity to separate potential induced degradation from temperature and gas phase driven effects.
During durability tests, the impedance response is measured while the phase stability and defect concentration is monitored by operando micro-Raman spectroscopy. The restructuring of nickel is tracked by ex-situ atomic force microscopy and electron microscopy, whereas x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy are used to analyse material compositions. In addition, alloying of nickel and co-doping of YSZ are investigated for a possible suppression of degradation and to improve the mechanistic understanding. Results on nickel mobility, impurity effects, and interfacial contact loss are presented for Ni/YSZ, alloyed Ni, and co-doped YSZ.
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