Since sintering of sub-micron-sized particles is a critical phenomenon affecting the electrochemical performance and reliability of solid oxide fuel cell systems, a better understanding of this microstructure-related process is of great importance. In this study, we show that kinetic Potts Monte Carlo modeling is capable of quantitatively predicting the three-dimensional (3D) microstructure evolution over an entire stage of nickel sintering at the sub-micron scale. This is achieved through direct comparison of simulation results and 3D microstructural analysis using focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy. We show that grain boundary diffusion is the dominant mechanism on densification, while surface diffusion has an impact on the coarsening during sub-micron scale sintering, only acting as one of the multiple mechanisms of sintering.

In the present study, La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF)-Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 (GDC) composite cathodes with different volume fractions were fabricated by the screen printing method, and their polarization characteristics and microstructure parameters are evaluated. Cathode overpotentials were measured at the measurement condition of 700 °C and 100 % O2. Microstructures were reconstructed by focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope (FIB-SEM). The relationship between polarization characteristics and microstructure is quantitatively investigated.

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