3D Microstructural characterization of a solid oxide fuel cell anode reconstructed by focused ion beam tomography

The three-dimensional microstructure of an SOFC anode has been characterized using a focused ion beam-scanning electron microscope. The sample preparation and the experimental milling and imaging parameters have been optimized in order to obtain a high-quality 3D reconstruction. Volume fractions and the volumetric connectivity of the individual phases, specific surface and interface areas and the three-phase boundary length have been estimated. Effective thermal, electronic and ionic conductivities of the sample as well as the tortuosity of the solid phases have been evaluated by solving the diffusive transport equation with an implicit 3D finite difference method. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.