Effects of operating conditions on the performance degradation and anode microstructure evolution of anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells

Performance degradation shortens the life of solid oxide fuel cells in practical applications.Revealing the degradation mechanism is crucial for the continuous improvement of cell durability.In this work,the effects of cell operating conditions on the terminal voltage and anode microstructure of a Ni-yttria-stabilized zirconia anode-supported single cell were investigated.The microstructure of the anode active area near the electrolyte was characterized by laser optical microscopy and focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy.Ni depletion at the anode/electrolyte interface region was observed after 100 h discharge tests.In addition,the long-term stability of the single cell was evaluated at 700℃for 3000 h.After an initial decline,the anode-supported single cell exhibits good durability with a voltage decay rate of 0.72%/kh and an electrode polarization resistance decay rate of 0.17%/kh.The main performance loss of the cell originates from the initial degradation.

Editorial for special issue on renewable energy conversion,utilization and storage

1.Foreword In light of the rapid depletion of fossil energy resources and the escalating environmental pollution crisis,there has been a significant surge in research focused on the development of technologies and materials for renewable energy conversion,utilization,and storage.This research area has gained paramount importance in addressing the pressing challenges of our time.

Damage and fracture model for eutectic composite ceramics

Study of damage and fracture models to analyze the fracture mechanism of eutectic composite ceramics is of considerable importance because no accurate fracture models are available for these materials. Eutectic composite ceramics are composed of microcells with random direction. We present herein a model that predicts the damage and fracture of eutectic composite ceramics based on analysis of defect stability and the damage localization band. Firstly, given the microstructure of eutectic composite ceramics, a mesodomain and a microcell model are constructed. The local stress field in the mesodomain is then analyzed based on the interaction direct derivative estimate. Secondly, the stability of a defect around particles in a microcell is analyzed, and the stress intensity factor of an annular defect under the applied stress field and the residual stress field in the particle are calculated. The stress intensity factor of a defect is controlled by the residual stress when the defect extension is small. However, it is controlled by the applied stress when the defect extension is large. Finally, a model for the damage localization band at the crack tip is constructed based on the Dugdale-Barenblatt model. The residual intensity is the important factor affecting the length of the damage localization band. When the damage variables reach their largest value, the residual in ten sity and the length of the damage localization band attain their minimum value. This work provides the theoretical basis for further study of the damage mechanics of eutectic composite ceramics and guides the engineering applications of these materials.