Stability of Interface between YSZ Electrolyte and GDC Interlayer in Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell

A steam electrolysis method using Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) is re-emerging as the state-of-the art technology since water molecules are easier to split into hydrogen and oxygen molecules at high temperatures. However, delamination problems have been reported between GDC (Gd0.2CeO2-x) interlayer and YSZ (8mol % yttria-stabilized zirconia) electrolyte under SOEC mode. In this study, Ce0.43Zr0.43Gd0.1Y0.04O2-delta (CGZY) was chosen as a contact layer which was inserted between YSZ and GDC in order to enhance interface stability. SOEC performance was compared with and without contact layer for 100 h. The CZGY contact layer significantly improved the stability of cell and the electrochemical performance.