Surface segregation and inter-diffusion of cations and impurities in microelectrodes for solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysers

H. Téllez, J. Druce, Y. Shi, M. Kubicek, Neil J. Simrick, J. L.M. Rupp, T. Ishihara, J. Kilner

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

The surface segregation and inter-diffusion of cations and impurities in La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ (LSCF) electrode structures micro-patterned on a Zr0.84Y0.16O1.92 (YSZ) single crystal was investigated by high-resolution Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and Low-Energy Ion Scattering. The outermost and near surface of the microelectrodes showed significant changes after patterning and electrochemical testing of the cell. As occurring in bulk LSCF ceramics, Sr segregation towards the surface is observed after annealing at 500°C. Furthermore, the electrode showed that impurities (i.e. Na, Si and Ca) originating from the YSZ electrolyte bulk migrate actively to the LSCF electrode during electrochemical testing. The impurity migration has implications for oxygen surface exchange at the cathodeelectrolyte and air interface for solid oxide fuel cells: the electrolyte YSZ surface becomes cleaner whereas the segregation of Sr to the LSCF outer surface seems to be suppressed with respect to the operation time of the device.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationSolid-Gas Electrochemical Interfaces � SGEI 1
EditorsE. Ivers-Tiffee, M. B. Mogensen, S. B. Adler, T. Kawada
PublisherElectrochemical Society Inc.
Pages69-77
Number of pages9
Edition2
ISBN (Electronic)9781607685395
DOIs
StatePublished - 2015
Externally publishedYes
Event1st Symposium on Solid-Gas Electrochemical Interfaces, SGEI 2015 - 227th ECS Meeting - Chicago, United States
Duration: 24 May 201528 May 2015

Publication series

NameECS Transactions
Number2
Volume66
ISSN (Print)1938-5862
ISSN (Electronic)1938-6737

Conference

Conference1st Symposium on Solid-Gas Electrochemical Interfaces, SGEI 2015 - 227th ECS Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago
Period24/05/1528/05/15

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