Accelerated Stress Testing of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells in a Symmetric Steam-Rich Atmosphere

Abstract

Commercialization of solid oxide electrolyzers is restricted by rapid degradation mechanisms of the electrodes, most notably nickel migration and agglomeration which leads to reduced activation sites at the triple-phase boundary. It is desirable to understand the process by which this phenomenon occurs not only to minimize it, but to intentionally induce it in a method which can compare the longevity of various chemistries. The objective of this research is to establish a protocol which mimics long-term electrode degradation. It is hoped that this will lead to a standardized procedure for comparing the projected long-term performance of solid oxide electrolysis cells. To promote degradation, operation at high steam partial pressure (>95% molar concentration) is employed.