Evaluation of the electrode/electrolyte contact quality in solid oxide fuel cells

Symmetrical cells have been prepared by depositing suspensions with different active powder concentrations (50% and 60% by weight respectively) of lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxide (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ) on identical yttria stabilized zirconia pellets (LSCF/YSZ/LSCF). Their impedance characteristics are compared to that of a symmetrical cell with platinum electrodes deposited on a similar zirconia pellet (Pt/YSZ/Pt). The LSCF cells show different values of the electrolyte resistance. Referring to the electrolyte resistance obtained with the Pt cell and assuming that this value corresponds to almost perfect electrode/electrolyte contacts, it is possible to estimate the Effective Conducting Area (ECA) of the electrodes. The use of the ECA parameter allows a better comparison of the electrode polarizations.

► A non-destructive in situ technique to evaluate the electrode–electrolyte contact. ► We set a parameter named as Effective Conducting Area that can quantify the coating quality. ► We offer a simple method for normalization of electrode polarization.