Abstract
Interconnect development for planar solid oxide fuel cells is considered a vital technical area requiring focused research to meet the performance and cost goals. A commercial ferritic stainless steel composition for oxidation resistance properties was investigated by measuring the weight gain due to air exposure at fuel cell operating temperature. A surface treatment process was found to produce a dense, adherent scale and to reduce the oxide scale growth rate significantly. A process was also identified for coating the surface of the alloy to reduce the in-plane resistance and potentially to inhibit chromium oxide evaporation. The combination of treatments provided a very low resistance through the scale. The resistance measured was as low as 10 mΩ-cm2 air. The resistance value was stable over several thermal cycles. The treated samples were exposed to a variety of atmospheres that were relevant in fuel cell operation to evaluate changes in scale morphology. Analysis of the scale after such exposure showed the presence of a stable composition. When exposed to a dual atmosphere (air and hydrogen on opposite sides of the metal sheet), however, the scale composition contained a mixture of phases. Additional process modifications are planned to reduce the effect of dual-atmosphere exposure.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
