Cu doped Ni-Co spinel protective coatings for solid oxide fuel cell interconnects application

Four different amount of Cu doped NieCo alloy coatings were fabricated on SUS430 substrate by electroplating for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) interconnects application. After oxidation at 800 degrees C, the microstructure and oxide phase of samples were tested by scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Our experimental results indicated that the Cu addition improved the electrical behavior of NieCo alloy coating. Cu doping reduced the activation energy (Ea) of electrons hopping and inhibited the growth of Cr2O3 oxide layer. Furthermore, the oxidation kinetics and electrical properties of the alloy coatings were obtained. These results showed that the 9% Cu doped NieCo coated steels achieved the minimum parabolic rate constant (2.05 x 10(-1)4 g(2)cm(-4)s(-1)) and area specific resistance (14.11 m Omega cm(2)) after the thermostatic oxidation process. (C) 2021 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The experimental results indicate that Cu doping can improve the electrical behavior of Ni-Co alloy coatings, reduce the activation energy of electron hopping, and inhibit the growth of oxide layers. The Ni-Co coatings doped with 9% Cu showed the best oxidation rate constant and electrical properties after the oxidation process.