Microstructure and Performance Analysis of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Co-Sintered on Inert Substrates

An SOFC design based on co-sintering of functional layers on an inert substrate is investigated. Understanding the impact of cell fabrication parameters on cell performance as well as the identification of the key aging mechanisms are important issues. This contribution will demonstrate how advanced correlative multiscale tomography (such as X-ray computed tomography (μ-CT), focused ion beam – scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) tomography and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy - scanning transmission electron microscopy (EDXS-STEM)) can be used to identify performance critical cell components and gas transport limitations. The resulting microstructure data can be linked to cell performance measured via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). Impedance data from full cells are compared to cathode/anode measurements on symmetrical cell geometry to quantify the different contributions. This exemplifies how performance and microstructural data can help to understand specific contributions to overall cell performance and degradation.