TEM Study of Oxygen Partial Pressure Effect on Early LSM-YSZ Surface Interactions in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Long-term stability studies indicate that cathode degradation is one of the main failure mechanisms in anode-supported SOFCs. In order to better understand the microstructural degradation mechanisms of the cathode and the influence of oxygen partial pressure at relevant operating temperatures, the authors of this article acquired TEM samples from technological cells to study cation interdiffusion mechanisms and LSM-YSZ interactions, particularly in areas where LSM grains are in contact with YSZ electrolyte. Here they present and interpret the results.