Low degradation is a key feature for a successful commercialization of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems. A variety of degradation mechanisms influences the overall degradation rate. Nickel depletion, agglomeration and coarsening in anodes during operation are considered as an important degradation mechanism. In this work, the microstructure of SOFC anodes of electrolyte‐supported cells with operation times up to 20,000 hours (850 °C) were analyzed. The examined anodes consist of a porous cermet of nickel and gadolinium doped ceria. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy‐dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis were used to investigate the nickel distribution in the anode. The results show nickel depletion at the electrolyte/anode interface, which becomes more noticeable for increased operation time. In addition, nickel agglomeration in the contact layer and in the functional layer was found. A relationship between nickel agglomeration and depletion was deduced.

Sunfire commercially distributes products for various markets (SOFC, SOEC and Co-SOEC) with its stack and system technology. To achieve an ideal tradeoff between cost, performance, and degradation for its customers, Sunfire’s stack design is continuously being improved. In this publication, latest results that resulted in a decrease of the combined life cycle costs (€ kW-1 h-1) of approx. 40% and cost projections for large scale production will be presented. Furthermore, recent changes in automation and industrial scale-up that lead to a current annual production volume of >10MW and next steps to further increase this value will be shown. Last but not least, updates on the recent development for Sunfire’s products Home, Remote and Hylink/Synlink will be given.

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In this work, three new glass-ceramic compositions are designed and characterized as sealant materials for solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC), having operating temperature of 850°C. The crystallization and the sintering behavior of the glasses are investigated by using differential thermal analysis (DTA) and heating stage microscopy (HSM) respectively. The glasses show glass transition temperatures of 715-740°C, while the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of 9.3-10.3 9 10 À6 K À1 (200-500°C) are measured for the glass-ceramics, matching with the CTEs of the other cell components. The compatibility between the glassceramic sealants, the 3YSZ electrolyte and the Crofer22APU interconnect is examined by means of SEM and EDS, in the as-joined condition and after 1000 hours at 850°C in air. Compositional changes in the glass-ceramic sealants are reviewed and discussed with respect to the formed crystalline phases before and after the aging treatment at 850°C. K E Y W O R D S crystals/crystallization, Interfaces, SOEC, thermal expansion ---

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