Evaluation of the electrode/electrolyte contact quality in solid oxide fuel cells

• Published in: Electrochimica acta 2012-01, Vol.60, p.224-229
• Main Authors: dos Santos, Jacqueline Amanda Figueiredo, Kleitz, Michel, Matencio, Tulio, Domingues, Rosana Zacarias
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cathode; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Porous electrodes; Solid oxide fuel cells
• ISSN: 0013-4686; 1873-3859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2011.11.060

► A non-destructive in situ technique to evaluate the electrode–electrolyte contact. ► We set a parameter named as Effective Conducting Area that can quantify the coating quality. ► We offer a simple method for normalization of electrode polarization. Symmetrical cells have been prepared by depositing suspensions with different active powder concentrations (50% and 60% by weight respectively) of lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxide (La 0.6Sr 0.4Co 0.2Fe 0.8O 3− δ ) on identical yttria stabilized zirconia pellets (LSCF/YSZ/LSCF). Their impedance characteristics are compared to that of a symmetrical cell with platinum electrodes deposited on a similar zirconia pellet (Pt/YSZ/Pt). The LSCF cells show different values of the electrolyte resistance. Referring to the electrolyte resistance obtained with the Pt cell and assuming that this value corresponds to almost perfect electrode/electrolyte contacts, it is possible to estimate the Effective Conducting Area (ECA) of the electrodes. The use of the ECA parameter allows a better comparison of the electrode polarizations.