High temperature properties of a thin film coated FeCr alloy for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) interconnectors - Oxide growth and chromium volatilization

Abstract

In the light of the increasing demand for renewable and clean energy systems, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) have been considered as an option. The advantages of SOFC compared to conventional energy conversion systems is high reliability, efficiency, fuel adaptability and clean emissions. Problems regarding mechanical issues, reliability and thermal expansion mismatch have to be prevented; therefore special designed materials are needed in order to withstand the high operating temperature as well as the oxidizing/reducing environment. In the last decade the operating temperature has been decreased from approximately 1000°C down to below 800°C [1-3]. This implies the benefits of a wider choice of interconnect materials, where expensive and brittle ceramics can be replaced by cheaper metal alloys, for example stainless steels.