The diffusions and associated interfacial layer formation between thin film electrolyte and cermet anode in IT-SOFC

► Not only transition metal Ni can diffuse into rare-earth-doped ceria, but also rare earth elements (Ce and Gd) can equally diffuse into metallic Ni. ► Such mutual diffusion is mainly occurred at the electrolyte-anode interface. ► All Ce, Gd and Ni can also diffuse along grain boundaries around the electrolyte-electrode interfacial region. ► Two types of diffusions, which can result in the interfacial layer formation between thin film electrolyte and cermet, have been thereby clarified.