Interface reactivity study between La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) cathode material and metallic interconnect for fuel cell

Interface reactivity between La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) cathode material and metallic interconnect (Crofer22APU) was investigated in laboratory air at 700 °C. Due to the interconnect geometry, two interfaces have been analysed: (i) interconnect rib/cathode interface (physically in contact); (ii) the interface under the channel of interconnect. In both cases, formation of a parasite phase was observed after various ageing treatments (20 h, 100 h and 200 h). However, the growth of the determined SrCrO4 parasite phase depends on interface type and on ageing time. Two different mechanisms have been established in function of interface type: (i) SrCrO4 phase was formed after solid state diffusion of Cr from metallic interconnect to the cathode; (ii) gas phase reaction induced formation of SrCrO4 under the channel of interconnect. Finally, the influence of a chemical etching on cathode/interconnect reactivity was evaluated.