Comparing the 3D Morphology of Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes for Different Manufacturing Processes, Annealing Times, and Operating Temperatures

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are becoming increasingly important due to their high electrical efficiency, the flexible choice of
fuels and relatively low emissions of pollutants. However, the increasingly growing demands for electrochemical devices require
further performance improvements as for example by reducing degradation effects. Since it is well known that the 3D electrode
morphology, which is significantly influenced by the underlying manufacturing process, has a profound impact on the resulting
performance, a deeper understanding for the structural changes caused by modifications of the manufacturing process or
degradation phenomena is desirable. In the present paper, we investigate the influence of the annealing time and the operating
temperature on the 3D morphology of SOFC anodes using 3D image data obtained by focused-ion beam scanning electron
microscopy, which is segmented into gadolinium-doped ceria, nickel and pore space. In addition, structural differences caused by
manufacturing the anode via infiltration or powder technology, respectively, are analyzed quantitatively by means of various
geometrical descriptors such as specific surface area, mean geodesic tortuosity, and constrictivity. ... mehrThe computation of these
descriptors from 3D image data is carried out both globally as well as locally to quantify the heterogeneity of the anode structure.