Advanced 3D Imaging and Analysis of SOFC Electrodes

Meeting increasing energy demands, storage demands and energy portability in a clean efficient manner will be expedited through an ability to directly image solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Tomographic techniques allow for the 3D imaging and chracterisation of complex microstructures down towards tens of nanometers; which are inadequately described in 2D. The performance of the SOFCs is dependent on nano/micro-structure as the electrochemical reactions and transport phenomena are strongly affected by the complex porous microstructure, where important reactions occur. Furthermore, during processing or operation microstructural evolution may degrade electrochemical performance

Here we use tomographic techniques to probe the 3D electrode structure at micro-nanometer length scales. Subsequently, micro/nano structural changes are followed to facilitate understanding the differences which occur with shape, structures and morphology at high resolution. Additionally the quantification of electronic, ionic and gas interfaces are also correlated with observed differences in electrode behaviour. When coupled with electrochemical and thermo-mechanical computational models, the results show nano/microstructural and compositional variations can significantly affect performance of SOFC electrodes. Altogether this provides important insights for electrode design and understanding sources of performance degradation.