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Material Interactions at Interfaces in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells


EMSL Project ID
27990

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are multicomponent devices that operate at high temperatures (>700C) to efficiently convert chemical energy to electrical energy. Because the components of an SOFC are in intimate contact with one another at high temperature, material interactions can occur at the interfaces between them. Free surfaces may also react with the air or fuel gases to which they are exposed. In analyzing the solid/solid and solid/gas interactions that occur at various interfaces within the fuel cell, surface specific analysis techniques are critical for developing a solid understanding of the mechanisms behind degradation of mechanical and electrical properties in the SOFC. This work proposes to use the unique capabilities associated with EMSL's surface analysis techniques to study the materials interactions that occur at SOFC interfaces during device processing, fabrication, and operation which lead to degradation in device performance and/or failure of the device.

Project Details

Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2007-10-29
End Date
2008-11-02
Status
Closed

Team

Principal Investigator

John Hardy
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Team Members

Jin Yong Kim
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Nathan Canfield
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Vincent Sprenkle
Institution
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory