A new method to quantify the phase evolution in nickelates is developed using sintered metal grids as cathode current collectors. The metal grids not only enable us to carry out phase quantification studies in cathodes, but also retaining the cell’s performance and stability. Moreover, they are chemically compatible with the cathode and allow XRD analysis of the surface and bulk of the cathode after cell operation. Multiple cells were tested to study the reproducibility of measurements. High performance was observed in cells with metal grids, extending the application of this method to cathode durability studies in state-of-the-art SOFCs.  Respective advantages and challenges of the method are discussed with an emphasis on phase quantification, and the effects of different noble metals in cells regarding their thermal, electrical, chemical, and mechanical stability. Au was found to be the most suitable current collector due to its low chemical reactivity with the cathode and mechanical compatibility at operating conditions.