The Mechanism Behind Redox Instability of Anodes in High-Temperature SOFCs

Bulk expansion of the anode upon oxidation is considered to be responsible for the lack of redox stability in high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The bulk expansion of nickel–yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) anode materials was measured by dilatometry as a function of sample geometry, ceramic component, temperature, and temperature cycling. The strength of the ceramic network and the degree of Ni redistribution appeared to be key parameters of the redox behavior. A model of the redox mechanism in nickel–YSZ anodes was developed based on the dilatometry data and macro- and microstructural observations.