Linking the microstructure, performance and durability of Ni-yttria-stabilized zirconia solid oxide fuel cell anodes using three-dimensional focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy imaging

In this work we demonstrate the utility of three-dimensional focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy nanotomography for understanding composite electrode performance and degradation. Phase connectivity, electrochemically active triple-phase boundary density and phase tortuosity are calculated for a series of anodes with varying Ni-YSZ composition. These structural characteristics, achievable only through three-dimensional interrogation, are shown to play a vital role in determining electrode polarization resistance. Additionally, Ni-YSZ samples are experimentally annealed in hydrogen and reconstructed to quantitatively assess degradation as a function of reduced triple-phase boundary density.