Sputtered nanocrystalline coating of a low-Cr alloy for solid oxide fuel cell interconnects application

► Sputtered coating of a low-Cr Fe-Co-Ni alloy with 0.36wt.% Si was prepared. ► Oxidation resistance of the sputtered coating was extremely improved in air at 800 °C. ► The surface scale structure with a low-Cr containing (Fe,Co)3O4 spinel atop Cr2O3 formed on the sputtered coating. ► The spinel layer served as an effective barrier to Cr outward migration. ► The surface scale exhibited a good electrical conductivity.