Multi-Scale Microstructure Characterization of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Assemblies with Ultra Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering

Published

June 11, 2009

Author(s)

Andrew J. Allen, Jan Ilavsky, Artur Braun

Abstract

The structure of three solid oxide fuel cell assemblies with 200 micrometers nominal thick-ness in the transverse plane, before and after operation, and with and without sulfur con-taining fuel, is quantified with ultra small angle x-ray scattering (USAXS). Thin sections of 80 micrometers thickness in the coronal direction were cut in order to have sufficient X-ray transmission at the 16.9 keV X-ray energy used. USAXS curves for 0.001 nm-1 < q < 5 nm-1 were recorded in steps of 15 micrometers at positions across the coronal plane. The USAXS curves were analyzed to determine the solid/void microstructure over the scale range from 1 nm to 3 micrometers. Distinct micro- and meso-structural differences were revealed between the pristine reference cell assembly and the two operated cells.

Citation

Advanced Engineering Materials

Volume

11

Issue

6

Pub Type

Journals

Keywords

microstructure characterization, solid oxide fuel cells, small-angle X-ray scattering, sintering

Citation

Allen, A. , Ilavsky, J. and Braun, A. (2009), Multi-Scale Microstructure Characterization of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Assemblies with Ultra Small-Angle X-Ray Scattering, Advanced Engineering Materials (Accessed October 10, 2025)