Analysis of strontium-doped lanthanum manganite particles and porous yttria-stabilized zirconia in SOFC cathodes by FIB/EDXS and related microscopic analysis
EMSL Project ID
44670
Abstract
The U.S. Department of Energy is sponsoring the development of high temperature fuel cell power systems based on solid oxide technology through its Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance (SECA) program. Recent work at NETL shows that LSM/YSZ cathodes exhibit non-stationary activation/deactivation behavior during operation, where the measured performance depends on both processing and operational history. The objectives of this proposal are (1) investigate the interaction between particles of strontium-doped lanthanum manganite and yttria-stabilized zirconia (2) map Lr/Sr/Mn ratios along the surface and as a function of depth, (4) determine the oxidation state of the LSM/YSZ components as a function of depth profile. The approach of the proposal is to analyze samples by SIMS, APT, NRA, RBS, Auger, SEM, and EDSX after they undergo thermal treatments. The successful completion of this project will result in a better understanding of the triple phase boundary of LSM/YSZ in the SOFC cathodes. With the experimental results, we would like to be able to determine the interactions of LSM particles on YSZ. This information will be useful to explain the physical or chemical phenomena occurring at the triple phase boundary of LSM/YSZ that is causing the irreversible trends in the impedance measurements at open circuit. Two main theories need to be confirmed or disregarded 1) smaller LSM particles are coalescing into larger particles LSM particles and then growth a film on YSZ surface at high temperature and then this film is disrupted at lower temperatures; 2) there is cation migration.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2011-06-24
End Date
2012-06-24
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator