DRT Analysis of Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells: Polarization Resistance of Fuel Electrodes

Abstract

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), which enable steam electrolysis by operating solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) in reverse, are capable of highly efficient hydrogen production. While SOFCs and SOECs are using similar materials and cell structures, electrode reactions in SOEC operation have to be investigated in more detail. In this study, we compared and discussed conventional cells and cells fabricated by an impregnation method by characterizing the electrode reactions through measurements of electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) and subsequent analysis of distribution of relaxation times (DRT).