Regularities of high-temperature oxidation of current collectors of solid oxide fuel cells due to diffusion processes in subsurface regions

Abstract

A complex study of regularities of oxidative reactions is carried out in subsurface layers of current collectors of solid oxide fuel cells manufactured of Crofer 22APU or Crofer 22H stainless steel. The methods of scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, and Raman spectroscopy are used to study the distribution of the main steel elements in subsurface layers of current collectors as dependent on the operation time under the conditions of a cathodic chamber of solid oxide fuel cells. A mechanism of the process is suggested and contact resistance between the current collector and LSM cathode is calculated using the model of a Schottky barrier for a metal–semiconductor junction.