A review of advanced techniques for characterising SOFC behaviour

The use of advanced characterization methods to assess degradation and failure mechanisms is gaining increasing importance within the closed loop of design, fabrication, testing and post operational analysis of solid oxide fuel cell materials, cells and stacks. Characterization can be separated into electrochemical and non-electrochemical methods that are used either in-situ or pre-/post-operational. In the present work, a selection of non-electrochemical methods is reviewed with the aim of improving the understanding of material interactions degradation mechanisms and failure modes. The described experimental techniques include X-ray computer tomography to assess defects in cells and sealants and X-ray diffraction to analyze residual stresses. Furthermore, the effect of mechanical loading on the contact area is addressed, in-situ observation techniques are outlined and finally methods for microstructure characterization are illustrated.