Three-dimensional microstructural changes in the Ni–YSZ solid oxide fuel cell anode during operation

Nelson, George J.; Grew, Kyle N.; Izzo, John R.; Lombardo, Jeffrey J.; Harris, William M.; Faes, Antonin; Hessler-Wyser, Aïcha; herle, Jan Van; Wang, Steve; Chu, Yong S.; Virkar, Anil V.; Chiu, Wilson K. S.

doi:10.1016/j.actamat.2012.02.041

Cited by 105 publications

(86 citation statements)

References 34 publications

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“…5a in turn shows the TPB density as a function of time for multiple contact angles. In accordance with experimental observations [8], the TPB density is a monotonically decreasing function of simulation time.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 63%

“…Experiments have shown that the performance of SOFCs suffers from losses in three-phase boundary density and contiguity, arising from coarsening processes of the metallic-phase particles within the anode network [5,6,8]. Based on extensive simulations of such coarsening processes using a continuum diffuse-interface approach, we have shown that the wettability between the metallic network and electrolyte backbone has a significant effect on the ability of the system to retain active TPB and phase contiguity.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Using the results from this study along with the experimental measurements, which report that the Ni-YSZ equilibrium contact angle is at least 117 [8,12], we can make predictions as to the performance of SOFC anodes. As observed, materials with low contact angles result in a metallic coating type of microstructure that has high active TPB density and benefits from the high contiguity of its ceramic substrate.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…However, in order for a TPB segment to actively contribute to the SOFC performance, the electrons must have a contiguous path through the anode to the interconnect via the metallic phase. These TPB lines are known as active, or effective, TPBs [8]. It is common practice to use the TPB density, i.e.…”

Section: Three-phase Boundary Lengthmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…A specific degradation mechanism, which has been observed as a major contributor to performance loss, is the agglomeration and coarsening of Ni particles in the anode [5][6][7]. Due to the high operating temperatures of SOFCs (800-1000°C) required for sufficient ion diffusion through the YSZ electrolyte, the Ni phase coarsens, which reduces both the number of available reaction sites (triple-phase boundary lines) and contiguous paths for electron transport [8]. Coarsening within a heterogeneous cermet along with a multitude of fabrication microstructures make designing robust anodes challenging.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Phase wettability and microstructural evolution in solid oxide fuel cell anode materials

et al. 2014

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Recent experimental and theoretical findings suggest that high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) often suffer from performance degradation due to coarsening of the metallic-phase particles within the anode. In this study, we explore the feasibility of improving the microstructural stability of SOFC anode materials by tuning the contact angle between the metallic phase and electrolyte particles. To this end, a continuum diffuse-interface model is employed to capture the coarsening behavior of the metallic phase and simulate a range of equilibrium contact angles. The evolution of performance-critical, microstructural features is presented for varying degrees of phase wettability. It is found that both the density of electrochemically active triple-phase regions and contiguity of the electron-conducting phase display undesirable minima near the contact angle of conventional SOFC materials. Our results suggest that tailoring the interfacial properties of the constituent phases could lead to a significant increase in the performance and lifetime of SOFCs.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 63%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Three-phase Boundary Lengthmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Phase wettability and microstructural evolution in solid oxide fuel cell anode materials

et al. 2014

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Highly Stable Doped Barium Niobate Based Electrocatalysts for Effective Electrochemical Coupling of Methane to Ethylene

Denoyer

Benavidez

Garzón

et al. 2022

Adv Materials Inter

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Methane conversion into value‐added products such as olefins and aromatics is gaining increased attention in the wake of new natural gas reserve discoveries. Electrochemical oxidative coupling of methane (E‐OCM) provides better product selectivity as the product distribution can be controlled by applied potential as well as the oxide ion flux. Here a new catalyst based on Mg and Fe codoped barium niobate perovskites is reported. The prepared perovskites show excellent chemical stability in CH4‐rich environments up to 925 °C while showing methane activation properties from 600 °C. E‐OCM measurements indicate an ethylene production rate of 277 µmol cm−2 h−1 with a faradaic efficiency of 20% at 1 V and durable operation for six continuous days. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic measurements indicate significant Nb valency reorganization that can be the reason for its chemical stability. Nevertheless, the surface area of the catalyst is significantly lower and requires improvements in synthesis methodologies to improve catalytic activity further. The exceptional chemical stability of this perovskite material under methane exposure at high temperatures has significant importance as this material can be used as a catalyst and/or support in a wide variety of applications relevant for efficient energy conversion and storage.

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Liquids‐to‐Power Using Low‐Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Hussain

Wachsman

2018

Energy Tech

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Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operating at high temperatures (>800 °C) have been overlooked in the past for automotive applications, primarily due to their longer start‐up times and inability to load follow (quickly respond to varying power demands). However, lower operating temperature SOFCs (LT‐SOFCs) enable more rapid start‐up and several other benefits. The rapid deployment of cost‐effective LT‐SOFC technology for automotive applications relies on the utilization of conventional ‘‘drop‐in’’ fuels (e. g., gasoline, diesel, ethanol etc.), that adapts the existing fuel distribution infrastructure. In particular, the liquid‐fed LT‐SOFCs have the potential to deliver higher “well‐to‐wheels” fuel conversion efficiencies than H2‐fed fuel cells as well as take advantage of the higher fuel energy density. Therefore, this review focuses on the benefits/challenges of low‐temperature SOFCs (350–650 °C) running on liquid fuels. The critical role of anodes and requirements/status of advanced anode materials for the direct utilization of liquid fuels in LT‐SOFCs are highlighted.

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Three-dimensional microstructural changes in the Ni–YSZ solid oxide fuel cell anode during operation

Cited by 105 publications

References 34 publications

Phase wettability and microstructural evolution in solid oxide fuel cell anode materials

Phase wettability and microstructural evolution in solid oxide fuel cell anode materials

Highly Stable Doped Barium Niobate Based Electrocatalysts for Effective Electrochemical Coupling of Methane to Ethylene

Liquids‐to‐Power Using Low‐Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

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