Steam and polarization effects on Ni-YSZ electrode due to degradation under electrolysis and fuel cell operation

Aiswarya Krishnakumar Padinjarethil, Fiammetta Rita Bianchi*, Anke Hagen, Barbara Bosio

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

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Abstract

Degradation issues correlated to microstructural changes are the main obstacles to solid oxide fuel cell and electrolyser applications, making their identification and understanding fundamental steps. Coupling experimental activities with modelling, this work analyses the state-of-the-art Ni-YSZ (Yttria-Stabilized Zirconia)/YSZ/CGO (Cerium Gadolinium Oxide)/LSCF (Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Ferrite)-CGO-based cell after 1000 h of galvanostatic electrolysis operation at fixed temperature and high steam composition in the inlet gas. Following a multiscale approach, the system behaviour is characterized through electrochemical impedance spectra and polarization curves as well as studying microstructure evolution, with a focus on Ni-cermet functional layer in view of Ni instability detected as the main degradation cause. A comparison with a cell consisting of the same initial geometrical structure and materials but aged in fuel cell mode allows to highlight the influence of operating mode and parameters on Ni-YSZ microstructure. Ni particle size and phase fraction variations experimentally observed on the electrode surface are correlated to water content and applied polarization simulated local values. Ni uneven distribution at the electrolyte interface and particle coarsening, above all, lead to an increase in polarization loss under electrolysis and fuel cell mode, respectively, since both penalise the charge transfer reaction and migration.
Original languageEnglish
Article number236296
JournalJournal of Power Sources
Volume632
Number of pages13
ISSN0378-7753
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2025

Keywords

  • Solid oxide cell
  • Steam electrolysis
  • Fuel cell
  • Ni-cermet degradation
  • Multiscale modelling

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