Z. G. Yang, C. Xia, J. Stevenson, P. Singh, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA
In the SOFC stack “bi-polar” arrangement, fuel cell current collector/ gas separators not only provide cell to cell electrical connection, but also separate and distribute fuel and oxidant gases. We have investigated the oxidation behavior of nickel and nickel base alloys under the “bi-polar” condition by simultaneously exposing tubular and planar samples to reducing (H2-3%H2O) and oxidizing (air) environments. Metal loss and scale morphologies have been examined and compared with the samples oxidized in air only. Oxidation mechanisms will be presented.
Summary: In the SOFC stack “bi-polar” arrangement, fuel cell current collector/ gas separators not only provide cell to cell electrical connection, but also separate and distribute fuel and oxidant gases. We have investigated the oxidation behavior of nickel and nickel base alloys under the “bi-polar” condition by simultaneously exposing tubular and planar samples to reducing (H2-3%H2O) and oxidizing (air) environments. Metal loss and scale morphologies have been examined and compared with the samples oxidized in air only. Oxidation mechanisms will be presented.
