Application of FIB-TOF-SIMS and FIB-SEM-EDX Methods for the Analysis of Element Mobility in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract

The solid oxide fuel cell single cells with porous Pr0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ and La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ (PSCO, LSCO respectively) cathodes on compact Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ|Zr0.85Y0.15O2-δ or Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ|Zr0.85Sc0.15O2-δ bi-layered electrolytes deposited onto Ni-Zr0.85Y0.15O2-δ (Ni-ZYO) or Ni- Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ (Ni-CGO) supporting anode were prepared for ion (element) mobility studies. Focused ion beam - time of flight - secondary ion mass spectrometry (FIB-TOF-SIMS) method in addition to FIB-SEM, SEM-EDX and XRD methods has been used for analysis of mass-transfer (interlayer diffusion) of cathode electrode elements, demonstrating that during PSCO and LSCO sintering at 1100°C on to CGO|ZYO or CGO|ZScO bilayered electrolyte, noticeable mass-transfer of Sr2+ cations through the partially microporous CGO has been verified using FIB-TOF-SIMS and SEM-EDX methods. The single cells have been additionally studied using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance and chronoamperometry methods and high power densities have been demonstrated.