Case Western Reserve University aims to understand how selected operational parameters affect the performance of solid oxide fuel cells, with a focus on parameters affecting cathodes (air electrodes) of lanthanum strontium manganite and yttria-stabilized zirconia. Additionally, they will relate the observed relationships between operational parameters and cell performance to the microstructural changes that can be observed in the cells after operation.

The work will explore the effects of current density, operating temperature, and ambient oxygen pressure on SOFC performance and cathode microstructure. Durability tests will be conducted using two combinations of operational parameters: conventional with low oxygen and all aggressive. The project will also conduct detailed microstructural characterization on tested cells focusing on changes in phase fraction and their distribution across the cathode, particularly densification/loss of porosity near the interfaces of the cathode with the electrolyte and the cathode current collector; changes in total and active three-phase boundary density; and formation and distribution of manganese oxides. Monitoring the cells' electrochemical performance during testing, and analyzing their microstructures post-test, will improve understanding of performance loss and degradation mechanisms of SOFCs.