Electrochemical cell, electrochemical cell device, module, and module housing device

Abstract

To provide an electrochemical cell, an electrochemical cell device, a module, and a module housing device with high durability.SOLUTION: An electrochemical cell comprises a porous part, a metal member, a seal material, and an intermediate material. The porous part has conductivity. The metal member contains chromium. The seal material is located on the porous part and the metal member. The intermediate material is located between the metal member and the seal material. The intermediate material has two or more portions different in surface roughness or thickness from each other at different positions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to electrochemical cells, electrochemical cell devices, modules and module housing devices. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, various fuel cell stack devices having multiple fuel cell units have been proposed as next-generation energy sources. A fuel cell unit is a type of electrochemical cell that can generate electric power using a fuel gas such as a hydrogen-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas such as air. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-162357 Summary of the Invention

[0004] An electrochemical cell according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a porous portion, a metal member, a sealing material, and an intermediate material. The porous portion is electrically conductive. The metal member contains chromium. The sealing material is located on the porous portion and on the metal member. The intermediate material is located between the metal member and the sealing material. The intermediate material has two or more portions with different surface roughnesses or thicknesses at different positions.

[0005] An electrochemical cell according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a porous portion, a metal member, a sealing material, and an intermediate material. The porous portion is electrically conductive. The metal member contains chromium. The sealing material is located on the porous portion and on the metal member. The intermediate material is located between the metal member and the sealing material. A surface roughness of a first interface of the intermediate material facing the sealing material is different from a surface roughness of a second interface of the intermediate material facing the metal member.

[0006] An electrochemical cell according to one aspect of the embodiment includes a porous portion, a metal member, a sealing material, and an intermediate material. The porous portion is electrically conductive. The metal member contains chromium. The sealing material is located on the porous portion and on the metal member. The intermediate material is located between the metal member and the sealing material. At least one element selected from Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al is located at the boundary between the metal member and the intermediate material. A first content, which is the sum of the contents of Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al at the boundary, is different from a second content, which is the sum of the contents of Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al inside the metal member or inside the intermediate material.

[0007] The electrochemical cell device of the present disclosure also includes a cell stack including the electrochemical cell described above.

[0008] The module of the present disclosure includes the electrochemical cell device described above and a container that houses the electrochemical cell device.

[0009] The module housing device of the present disclosure includes the module described above, an auxiliary device for operating the module, and an exterior case for housing the module and the auxiliary device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a side view of an example of the electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment, viewed from the air electrode side. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a side view of an example of an electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment, viewed from the interconnector side. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a perspective view showing an example of a cell stack device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX shown in FIG. 2A. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a top view showing an example of the cell stack device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 3E] FIG. 3E is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 3F] FIG. 3F is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 3G] FIG. 3G is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 3H] FIG. 3H is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 3I] FIG. 3I is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 3J] FIG. 3J is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region A shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 3K] FIG. 3K is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 3L] FIG. 3L is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 3M] FIG. 3M is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 3N] FIG. 3N is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 3O] FIG. 3O is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 3P] FIG. 3P is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 3Q] FIG. 3Q is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 3R] FIG. 3R is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 3S] FIG. 3S is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 3T] FIG. 3T is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 3U] FIG. 3U is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 3V] FIG. 3V is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 3W] FIG. 3W is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 3X] FIG. 3X is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 3Y] FIG. 3Y is an enlarged cross-sectional view of region B shown in FIG. 1D. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing an example of the module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view schematically illustrating an example of a module housing device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region C shown in FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the electrochemical cell according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the electrochemical cell according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the electrochemical cell according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The above-described fuel cell stack device has, for example, metal members that support a plurality of fuel cells. In such a structure, there is room for improvement in the durability of the joints that secure the metal members and seal out gas.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need to provide highly durable electrochemical cells, electrochemical cell devices, modules, and module housing devices.

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of an electrochemical cell, an electrochemical cell device, a module, and a module housing device disclosed in the present application will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below.

[0014] It should also be noted that the drawings are schematic and that the dimensional relationships and ratios of elements may differ from reality. Furthermore, the drawings may contain parts whose dimensional relationships and ratios differ from one another.

[0015] [First embodiment] <Cell configuration> First, with reference to Figures 1A to 1C, an electrochemical cell according to a first embodiment will be described using an example of a solid oxide fuel cell. The electrochemical cell device may include a cell stack having a plurality of electrochemical cells. An electrochemical cell device having a plurality of electrochemical cells will be simply referred to as a cell stack device.

[0016] Fig. 1A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment, Fig. 1B is a side view of the example of the electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment as seen from the air electrode side, and Fig. 1C is a side view of the example of the electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment as seen from the interconnector side. Note that Figs. 1A to 1C show enlarged views of parts of each component of the electrochemical cell. Hereinafter, the electrochemical cell may also be simply referred to as a cell.

[0017] 1A to 1C, cell 1 is a hollow, flat, elongated plate. As shown in Fig. 1B, the shape of the entire cell 1 as viewed from the side is, for example, a rectangle with sides measuring 5 cm to 50 cm in the length direction L and 1 cm to 10 cm in the width direction W perpendicular to the length direction L. The thickness of the entire cell 1 in the thickness direction T is, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0018] 1A, the cell 1 includes a support substrate 2, an element section 3, an interconnector 4, an adhesive 9, an intermediate material 24, and a sealing material 25. The support substrate 2 is columnar, having a pair of opposing flat surfaces n1, n2 and a pair of arc-shaped side surfaces m connecting the flat surfaces n1, n2.

[0019] The element section 3 is located on the flat surface n1 of the support substrate 2. The element section 3 has an anode 5, a solid electrolyte layer 6, and an air electrode 8. In the example shown in FIG. 1A, the interconnector 4 is located on the flat surface n2 of the cell 1. The cell 1 may also include an intermediate layer 7 between the solid electrolyte layer 6 and the air electrode 8.

[0020] 1B, the air electrode 8 does not extend to the upper and lower ends of the cell 1. At the lower end of the cell 1, only the solid electrolyte layer 6 is exposed on the surface. As shown in FIG. 1C, the interconnector 4 may extend to the lower end of the cell 1. At the lower end of the cell 1, the interconnector 4 and the solid electrolyte layer 6 are exposed on the surface. Both ends of the interconnector 4 in the width direction W are gas-sealed with a sealing material 25. As shown in FIG. 1A, the solid electrolyte layer 6 is exposed on the surface of a pair of arc-shaped side surfaces m of the cell 1. The interconnector 4 does not have to extend to the lower end of the cell 1.

[0021] Each of the components that make up the cell 1 will be described below.

[0022] The support substrate 2 has gas flow channels 2a therein through which gas flows. The example of the support substrate 2 shown in FIG. 1A has six gas flow channels 2a. The support substrate 2 is gas permeable, allowing the fuel gas flowing through the gas flow channels 2a to permeate to the anode 5. The support substrate 2 is conductive. The conductive support substrate 2 collects electricity generated in the element section 3 to the interconnector 4.

[0023] The material of the support substrate 2 includes, for example, an iron group metal component and an inorganic oxide. The iron group metal component may be, for example, Ni (nickel) and / or NiO. The inorganic oxide may be, for example, a specific rare earth element oxide. The rare earth element oxide may include, for example, Y.

[0024] A commonly known material can be used for the anode 5. The anode 5 may be made of porous conductive ceramics, such as ceramics containing Ni and / or NiO and an ion-conductive material such as ZrO2 in which rare earth element oxides are dissolved. The rare earth element oxides include, for example, a plurality of rare earth elements selected from Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb. ZrO2 in which rare earth element oxides are dissolved is sometimes referred to as stabilized zirconia. Stabilized zirconia also includes partially stabilized zirconia.

[0025] The solid electrolyte layer 6 is an electrolyte and transfers ions between the fuel electrode 5 and the air electrode 8. At the same time, the solid electrolyte layer 6 has gas barrier properties and makes it difficult for leakage of fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas to occur.

[0026] The material of the solid electrolyte layer 6 may be, for example, an ion-conductive material such as ZrO2 with 3 mol % to 15 mol % of a rare earth element oxide dissolved therein. The rare earth element oxide may include, for example, one or more rare earth elements selected from Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb. The solid electrolyte layer 6 may include, for example, ZrO2 with Yb, Sc, or Gd dissolved therein, CeO2 with La, Nd, or Yb dissolved therein, BaZrO3 with Sc or Yb dissolved therein, or BaCeO3 with Sc or Yb dissolved therein.

[0027] The air electrode 8 is gas permeable. The open porosity (void ratio) of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, in the range of 20% to 50%, and particularly in the range of 30% to 50%.

[0028] There are no particular restrictions on the material of the air electrode 8 as long as it is one that is generally used for air electrodes. The material of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, a conductive ceramic such as a so-called ABO3-type perovskite oxide.

[0029] The material of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, a composite oxide in which Sr (strontium) and La (lanthanum) coexist at the A site. Examples of such composite oxides include La x Sr 1-x Co y Fe 1-y O3, La x Sr 1-x MnO3, La x Sr 1-x FeO3, La x Sr 1-x CoO3, etc. Note that x is 0 <x<1、yは0<y<1である。

[0030] Furthermore, when the element unit 3 includes the intermediate layer 7, the intermediate layer 7 functions as a diffusion suppression layer. The intermediate layer 7 makes it difficult for Sr (strontium) contained in the air electrode 8 to diffuse into the solid electrolyte layer 6 containing, for example, Zr, thereby making it difficult for a resistive layer of SrZrO to be formed in the solid electrolyte layer 6.

[0031] The material of the intermediate layer 7 is not particularly limited as long as it generally prevents diffusion of elements between the air electrode 8 and the solid electrolyte layer 6. The material of the intermediate layer 7 may contain, for example, cerium oxide (CeO2) in which a rare earth element other than Ce (cerium) is dissolved. Examples of such rare earth elements that may be used include Gd (gadolinium) and Sm (samarium).

[0032] The interconnector 4 is a dense metal member that prevents leakage of the fuel gas flowing through the gas flow channel 2a inside the support substrate 2 and the oxygen-containing gas flowing outside the support substrate 2. The interconnector 4 is fixed by an adhesive 9 to the support substrate 2 having the gas flow channel 2a.

[0033] The interconnector 4 contains chromium. The interconnector 4 is, for example, stainless steel. The interconnector 4 may be, for example, a stainless steel such as a ferritic stainless steel or an austenitic stainless steel having high heat resistance. The interconnector 4 may be, for example, a nickel-chromium alloy or an iron-chromium alloy. The interconnector 4 may contain, for example, a metal oxide. Such an interconnector 4 is an example of a metal member.

[0034] The adhesive material 9 is located between the interconnector 4 and the support substrate 2. The adhesive material 9 has electrical conductivity. The adhesive material 9 may have, for example, gas permeability.

[0035] The adhesive 9 may include, for example, conductive particles such as Ni, etc. The adhesive 9 may also include inorganic oxides such as TiO, rare earth element oxides (YO, CeO, etc.), and transition metal oxides (FeO, CuO, etc.).

[0036] The seal material 25 is located on the end face of the interconnector 4. The seal material 25 is located so as to straddle the interconnector 4 and the solid electrolyte layer 6, and seals the flow of fuel gas between the fuel electrode 5 and the adhesive material 9 and the outside.

[0037] The sealant 25 has electrical insulation properties. Hereinafter, electrical insulation may be simply referred to as insulation. For example, an oxide with low electrical conductivity, such as glass, may be used as the sealant 25. The material of the sealant 25 may be, for example, amorphous glass or crystallized glass. For example, the crystallized glass may be any of SiO2-CaO-based, MgO-B2O3-based, La2O3-B2O3-MgO-based, La2O3-B2O3-ZnO-based, and SiO2-CaO-ZnO-based materials, and in particular, SiO2-MgO-based materials may be used.

[0038] The intermediate material 24 is located between the interconnector 4 and the sealing material 25. The intermediate material 24 may contain an insulating oxide, such as forsterite, that has higher heat resistance than the sealing material 25. This allows the intermediate material 24 to improve the adhesion between the sealing material 25 and the interconnector 4, thereby increasing the durability of the cell 1. The insulating oxide may have a thermal conductivity of 1×10 at room temperature, for example. 10 The intermediate material 24 may have an electrical resistivity of Ω·m or more. Furthermore, the intermediate material 24 is less likely to dissolve in high-temperature steam or evaporate its components than the sealing material 25, and therefore is less likely to cause gas leakage or deterioration in electrode performance. The intermediate material 24 contains an oxide that prevents chromium contained in the interconnector 4 from being desorbed into an oxidizing atmosphere.

[0039] Fig. 1D is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in Fig. 1D, unlike the example shown in Fig. 1A, the length in the width direction W of the interconnector 4 is greater than the length in the width direction W of the cell 1. In the example shown in Fig. 1D, the configuration in the example of Fig. 1A is applied except for the above points.

[0040] <Configuration of cell stack device> Next, a cell stack device according to this embodiment using the above-described cell 1 will be described with reference to Figures 2A to 2C. Figure 2A is a perspective view showing an example of a cell stack device according to this embodiment, Figure 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX shown in Figure 2A, and Figure 2C is a top view showing an example of a cell stack device according to this embodiment.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2A, the cell stack device 10 includes a cell stack 11 having a plurality of cells 1 arranged (stacked) in a thickness direction T of the cells 1 (see FIG. 1A), and a fixing member 12.

[0042] The fixing member 12 has a fixing material 13 and a support member 14. The support member 14 supports the cell 1. The fixing material 13 fixes the cell 1 to the support member 14. The support member 14 also has a support 15 and a gas tank 16. The support 15 and gas tank 16, which are the support member 14, are made of metal and are electrically conductive.

[0043] 2B, the support body 15 has insertion holes 15a into which the lower ends of the plurality of cells 1 are inserted. The lower ends of the plurality of cells 1 and the inner wall of the insertion holes 15a are joined with a fixing material 13.

[0044] The gas tank 16 has an opening for supplying a reaction gas to the cells 1 through the insertion holes 15a, and a recessed groove 16a located around the opening. The outer peripheral edge of the support 15 is joined to the gas tank 16 by a bonding material 21 filled in the recessed groove 16a of the gas tank 16.

[0045] In the example shown in Fig. 2A, fuel gas is stored in an internal space 22 formed by a support 15, which is the support member 14, and a gas tank 16. A gas circulation pipe 20 is connected to the gas tank 16. The fuel gas is supplied to the gas tank 16 through this gas circulation pipe 20, and is supplied from the gas tank 16 to a gas flow path 2a (see Fig. 1A) inside the cell 1. The fuel gas supplied to the gas tank 16 is generated in a reformer 102 (see Fig. 7), which will be described later.

[0046] The hydrogen-rich fuel gas can be produced by steam reforming the raw fuel, etc. When the fuel gas is produced by steam reforming, the fuel gas contains water vapor.

[0047] The example shown in FIG. 2A includes two rows of cell stacks 11, two supports 15, and a gas tank 16. Each of the two rows of cell stacks 11 has a plurality of cells 1. Each cell stack 11 is fixed to a corresponding support 15. The gas tank 16 has two through-holes on its top surface. A support 15 is disposed in each through-hole. An internal space 22 is formed by the one gas tank 16 and the two supports 15.

[0048] The shape of the insertion hole 15a is, for example, an oval shape when viewed from above. For example, the length of the insertion hole 15a in the arrangement direction of the cells 1, i.e., the thickness direction T, is greater than the distance between the two end current collecting members 17 located at both ends of the cell stack 11. For example, the width of the insertion hole 15a is greater than the length of the cell 1 in the width direction W (see FIG. 1A).

[0049] 2B, the joints between the inner walls of the insertion holes 15a and the lower ends of the cells 1 are filled with a fixing material 13 and solidified. This bonds and fixes the inner walls of the insertion holes 15a to the lower ends of the multiple cells 1, respectively, and also bonds and fixes the lower ends of the cells 1 to each other. The gas flow paths 2a of each cell 1 communicate with the internal space 22 of the support member 14 at their lower ends.

[0050] A material with low conductivity, such as glass, can be used for the fixing material 13 and the bonding material 21. Specific materials for the fixing material 13 and the bonding material 21 include amorphous glass, and in particular, crystallized glass.

[0051] As the crystallized glass, for example, any of materials such as SiO2-CaO, MgO-B2O3, La2O3-B2O3-MgO, La2O3-B2O3-ZnO, and SiO2-CaO-ZnO may be used, and in particular, SiO2-MgO materials may be used.

[0052] 2B, a conductive member 18 is interposed between adjacent cells 1 among the plurality of cells 1. The conductive member 18 electrically connects one adjacent cell 1 to the other adjacent cell 1 in series. More specifically, the conductive member 18 connects the fuel electrode 5 of one cell 1 to the air electrode 8 of the other cell 1.

[0053] 2B, an end current collecting member 17 is electrically connected to the cell 1 located at the outermost position in the arrangement direction of the multiple cells 1. The end current collecting member 17 is connected to a conductive part 19 that protrudes to the outside of the cell stack 11. The conductive part 19 collects electricity generated by power generation in the cells 1 and extracts it to the outside. Note that the end current collecting member 17 is not shown in FIG. 2A.

[0054] 2C, the cell stack device 10 may be a single battery in which two cell stacks 11A and 11B are connected in series. In this case, the conductive part 19 of the cell stack device 10 may have a positive terminal 19A, a negative terminal 19B, and a connection terminal 19C.

[0055] The positive electrode terminal 19A is a positive electrode when the power generated by the cell stack 11 is output to the outside, and is electrically connected to the positive electrode side end current collecting member 17 of the cell stack 11A. The negative electrode terminal 19B is a negative electrode when the power generated by the cell stack 11 is output to the outside, and is electrically connected to the negative electrode side end current collecting member 17 of the cell stack 11B.

[0056] The connection terminal 19C electrically connects the end current collecting member 17 on the negative electrode side of the cell stack 11A and the end current collecting member 17 on the positive electrode side of the cell stack 11B.

[0057] <Joining of metal parts and sealing materials> Next, the bonding between interconnector 4 and sealing material 25 will be described with reference to Figures 3A to 3Y. Figures 3A to 3J are enlarged cross-sectional views of region A shown in Figure 1A, and Figures 3K to 3Y are enlarged cross-sectional views of region B shown in Figure 1D.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 3A, the sealing material 25 is joined to the interconnector 4 via an intermediate material 24.

[0059] The intermediate material 24 has surfaces 241 and 242 that contact the sealing material 25 and surfaces 243 and 244 that contact the interconnector 4. The intermediate material 24 also has a surface 245 that is exposed to the external space 23. The surfaces 242 and 244 are positioned along the width direction W shown in FIG. 1A, and the surfaces 241 and 243 are positioned along the thickness direction T shown in FIG. 1A. The external space 23 is a space to which the air electrode 8 (see FIG. 1A) of the cell 1 is exposed, and is filled with an oxygen-containing gas such as air. In other words, the external space 23 is an oxidizing atmosphere.

[0060] As described above, interconnector 4 contains chromium. For example, if chromium contained in interconnector 4 is released into the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23), the durability of interconnector 4 may decrease.

[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, the surface roughness of the intermediate material 24 located near the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23) can be made smaller than the surface roughness of the intermediate material 24 located away from the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23), i.e., closer to the support substrate 2 which is in a reducing atmosphere. In the embodiment, the surface roughness of the surface 245 is smaller than the surface roughness of the surface 241.

[0062] This makes it possible to make it difficult for chromium contained in the interconnector 4 to be desorbed into the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23) even during high-temperature operation. In other words, by reducing the surface roughness of the surface 245 of the intermediate material 24 that is located near the oxidizing atmosphere and that makes it difficult for chromium to be desorbed into the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23), it is possible to make it even more difficult for chromium to be desorbed into the oxidizing atmosphere. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the durability of the cell 1 can be improved, and therefore the durability of the cell stack device 10 can be improved.

[0063] The surface roughness of surface 245 located near the oxidizing atmosphere may be smaller than the typical surface roughness of insulating oxides such as forsterite on metal surfaces, which is 8 μm to 30 μm, and the surface roughness of surface 241 may be the same as or larger than the typical surface roughness of such insulating oxides.

[0064] The surface roughness of surface 242 located between surface 241 and surface 245 may be the same as the surface roughness of surface 241, or may be the same as the surface roughness of surface 245. Surface 242 may also have a surface roughness intermediate between that of surface 241 and surface 245.

[0065] The sealing material 25 is joined to the intermediate material 24, and depending on the operating environment, fuel gas may leak through the gap created by the sealing material 25 peeling off from the intermediate material 24, which may reduce the durability of the cell stack device 10.

[0066] Therefore, the surface roughness of the surface 242 can be made greater than the surface roughness of the surface 241. This can improve the adhesion between the surface 242 of the intermediate member 24 and the sealing material 25, for example. As a result, the sealing material 25 is less likely to peel off from the side of the surface 242 that is closer to the surface 245 that is exposed to the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23), making it less likely that fuel gas will leak. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the durability of the cell stack device 10 can be improved. In addition, the sealing material 25 is also in contact with the surface 241. If the surface roughness of the surface 241 is greater, the adhesion between the surface 241 and the sealing material 25 can be improved. The surface roughness of the surfaces 242 and 245 may be greater than the normal surface roughness of the insulating oxide described above.

[0067] As shown in Figures 3B to 3F, a sealant 25 or adhesive 9 may be positioned between the intermediate material 24 and the solid electrolyte layer 6, or between each component of the cell 1. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3G to 3J, a gap S may exist between the sealant 25 and each component of the cell 1. Even in such a case, the durability of the cell stack device 10 can be improved, as shown in Figure 3A.

[0068] 3K and 3L to 3S, a sealant 25 or adhesive 9 may be positioned between the intermediate material 24 and the solid electrolyte layer 6, or between each component of the cell 1. Also, as shown in FIGS. 3T to 3Y, a gap S may exist between the sealant 25 and each component of the cell 1. Even in such a case, the durability of the cell stack device 10 can be improved, as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0069] In the above-described embodiment, the durability of cell 1 is increased by having portions with different surface roughness at different positions on intermediate material 24, but the durability of cell 1 can also be increased by having portions with different thicknesses at different positions on intermediate material 24.

[0070] 4 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the intermediate member 24 may have a first portion P1 and a second portion P2. The first portion P1 is located between the surface 241 and the surface 243, and the second portion P2 is located between the surface 242 and the surface 244. The second portion P2 is a portion closer to the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23). The first portion P1 is farther from the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23) than the second portion P2, and is a portion closer to the support substrate 2, which is in a reducing atmosphere.

[0071] 4, the intermediate material 24 may have a thickness t2, which is the average thickness of the second region P2, that is greater than a thickness t1, which is the average thickness of the first region P1. This makes it difficult for chromium contained in the interconnector 4 to be desorbed into an oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23), even during high-temperature operation, for example. Therefore, this configuration can increase the durability of the cell 1, and therefore the durability of the cell stack device 10. The second region P2 of the intermediate material 24 may have a thickness t1 of, for example, 30 μm or more.

[0072] 5 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment. The intermediate material 24 may have different surface roughnesses at the first interface 24a facing the sealing material 25 and the second interface 24b facing the interconnector 4, thereby improving the durability of the cell 1.

[0073] Specifically, the surface roughness of the first interface 24a may be greater than the surface roughness of the second interface 24b. This can improve the adhesion between the intermediate material 24 and the sealing material 25. This makes it difficult for the sealing material 25 to peel off from the intermediate material 24, making it less likely for fuel gas to leak. Therefore, with this configuration, the durability of the cells 1 can be improved, and therefore the durability of the cell stack device 10 can be improved.

[0074] 5, the first interface 24a includes interfaces 24a1 and 24a2, and the second interface 24b includes interfaces 24b1 and 24b2. The surface roughness of the first interface 24a can be, for example, the average value of the surface roughness of the interfaces 24a1 and 24a2. The surface roughness of the second interface 24b can be, for example, the average value of the surface roughness of the interfaces 24b1 and 24b2.

[0075] It is believed that the sealing material 25 is more likely to peel off from the interface 24a2 side of the intermediate material 24 than from the interface 24a1. The surface roughness of the interface 24a2 may be greater than the surface roughness of the interface 24b2. This makes it less likely that the sealing material 25 will peel off from the interface 24a2 side, making it less likely that fuel gas will leak. This increases the durability of the cells 1, and therefore the durability of the cell stack device 10.

[0076] 6 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of the electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment. The durability of the cell 1 may be improved by adjusting the content of a specific metal element located at the boundary between the interconnector 4 and the intermediate material 24 to be different from the content of the metal element in the interconnector 4 or the intermediate material 24. The boundary between the interconnector 4 and the intermediate material 24 refers to a portion of the interconnector 4 and a portion of the intermediate material 24 located in the vicinity of the interface between the interconnector 4 and the intermediate material 24, and includes the interface between the interconnector 4 and the intermediate material 24.

[0077] Specifically, at least one element of Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al may be located near interface 24i, which is the boundary between interconnector 4 and intermediate material 24. Furthermore, a first content rate, which is the sum of the contents of Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al near interface 24i, may be greater than a second content rate, which is the sum of the contents of Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al inside interconnector 4 or inside intermediate material 24. Note that the inside of interconnector 4 may be a portion of interconnector 4 sufficiently away from interface 24i, for example, a portion equidistant from intermediate material 24 and adhesive material 9, or a portion closer to adhesive material 9 than that. The inside of intermediate material 24 may be a portion of intermediate material 24 sufficiently away from interface 24i, for example, a portion equidistant from interconnector 4 and sealing material 25, or a portion closer to sealing material 25 than that. Furthermore, the vicinity of interface 24i may be, for example, a region at a distance of 300 nm or less from interface 24i.

[0078] This can improve the adhesion between the interconnector 4 and the intermediate material 24. As a result, the interconnector 4 and the intermediate material 24 are less likely to peel off, making it less likely that fuel gas will leak. This can therefore improve the durability of the cells 1, and therefore the durability of the cell stack device 10.

[0079] The above-mentioned specific element located near interface 24i can be located as a simple substance, an alloy, or a metal oxide. Furthermore, such an element may be located on either the interconnector 4 side or the intermediate material 24 side, or may be located so as to straddle the interconnector 4 and the intermediate material 24. Furthermore, such an element may be located throughout interface 24i, or may be located, for example, only on one of interface 24i1 or interface 24i2.

[0080] <module> Next, a module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the above-described cell stack device 10 will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is an external perspective view showing the module according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 shows a state in which the front and rear surfaces, which are part of the storage container 101, have been removed and the cell stack device 10 of the fuel cell stored inside has been pulled out to the rear.

[0081] 7, the module 100 includes a storage container 101 and a cell stack device 10 housed in the storage container 101. A reformer 102 is disposed above the cell stack device 10.

[0082] The reformer 102 reforms raw fuel such as natural gas or kerosene to generate fuel gas, which is then supplied to the cell 1. The raw fuel is supplied to the reformer 102 through a raw fuel supply pipe 103. The reformer 102 may also include a vaporizer 102a that vaporizes water, and a reformer 102b. The reformer 102b includes a reforming catalyst (not shown) and reforms the raw fuel into fuel gas. Such a reformer 102 can perform steam reforming, a highly efficient reforming reaction.

[0083] The fuel gas produced in the reformer 102 is supplied to the gas flow channel 2a of the cell 1 (see FIG. 1A) through the gas distribution pipe 20, the gas tank 16, and the support member 14.

[0084] Furthermore, in the module 100 having the above-described configuration, the temperature inside the module 100 during normal power generation becomes approximately 500°C to 1000°C due to the combustion of gas and the power generation of the cells 1.

[0085] In such a module 100, as described above, by accommodating a highly durable cell stack device 10, the module 100 can be made highly durable.

[0086] <Module storage device> Fig. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a module housing device according to the first embodiment. The module housing device 110 according to this embodiment includes an outer case 111, the module 100 shown in Fig. 7, and auxiliary equipment (not shown). The auxiliary equipment operates the module 100. The module 100 and the auxiliary equipment are housed in the outer case 111. Note that some components are omitted in Fig. 8.

[0087] An exterior case 111 of a module accommodating device 110 shown in Fig. 8 has support columns 112 and an exterior plate 113. A partition plate 114 divides the interior of the exterior case 111 into upper and lower sections. The space above the partition plate 114 in the exterior case 111 is a module accommodating chamber 115 that accommodates the module 100, and the space below the partition plate 114 in the exterior case 111 is an accessory accommodating chamber 116 that accommodates accessories that operate the module 100. Note that in Fig. 8, the accessories accommodated in the accessory accommodating chamber 116 are omitted from the illustration.

[0088] The partition plate 114 also has an air flow port 117 for allowing air from the auxiliary equipment housing chamber 116 to flow toward the module housing chamber 115. The exterior plate 113 that constitutes the module housing chamber 115 has an exhaust port 118 for exhausting air from within the module housing chamber 115.

[0089] In such a module housing device 110, as described above, highly durable modules 100 are provided in the module housing chamber 115, so that the module housing device 110 can be made highly durable.

[0090] [Second embodiment] 9 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to Embodiment 2. The cell 1A includes an element section 3, a support substrate 2, an adhesive material 9, an interconnector 4, a sealant 25, and an intermediate material 44.

[0091] The support substrate 2 is a flat metal plate having one surface and the other surface opposite thereto. The support substrate 2 has a gas flow path 2a on one surface side. The element section 3 is located on the other surface side of the support substrate 2. The support substrate 2 has through holes or pores in the area in contact with the element section 3, allowing gas to circulate between the gas flow path 2a and the element section 3. The material of the metal plate may be the same as or similar to the material of the interconnector 4 containing chromium. In this embodiment, the support substrate 2 is an example of a metal member.

[0092] The interconnector 4 is provided on one surface of the support substrate 2 where the gas flow path 2a is located.

[0093] The sealant 25 is located on the end surfaces of the element section 3 and the adhesive 9. The sealant 25 fixes the element section 3 and the support substrate 2 and also prevents fuel gas from leaking. The sealant 25 may be located away from the air electrode 8.

[0094] The intermediate material 44 is located between the support substrate 2 and the sealing material 25. The intermediate material 44 improves the adhesion between the sealing material 25 and the support substrate 2, thereby improving the durability of the cell 1A. The material of the intermediate material 44 may be the same as the material of the intermediate material 24 according to the above-described embodiment.

[0095] <Joining of metal parts and sealing materials> Fig. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region C shown in Fig. 9. As shown in Fig. 10, the sealing material 25 is bonded to the support substrate 2 via an intermediate material 44.

[0096] The intermediate material 44 has a surface 441 in contact with the sealing material 25, a surface 442 in contact with the support substrate 2, and a surface 443 in contact with the adhesive material 9. The intermediate material 44 also has a surface 444 located on the external space 23 side.

[0097] As described above, the support substrate 2 contains chromium. For example, if the chromium contained in the support substrate 2 is desorbed into the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23), the durability of the support substrate 2 may be reduced.

[0098] Therefore, in this embodiment, the surface roughness of the intermediate material 44 located near the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23) can be made smaller than the surface roughness of the intermediate material 44 located away from the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23), i.e., closer to the fuel electrode 5 or adhesive 9, which are in a reducing atmosphere. In the embodiment, the surface roughness of the surface 444 is smaller than the surface roughness of the surface 443.

[0099] This makes it possible to make it difficult for chromium contained in the support substrate 2 to be desorbed into the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23) even during high-temperature operation, for example. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the durability of the cell 1A can be improved, and therefore the durability of the cell stack device 10 can be improved.

[0100] The surface roughness of surface 441 located between surface 444 and surface 443 may be the same as the surface roughness of surface 444, or may be the same as the surface roughness of surface 443. Surface 441 may also have a surface roughness intermediate between those of surface 444 and surface 443.

[0101] The sealing material 25 is joined to the intermediate material 44, and depending on the operating environment, fuel gas may leak through the gap created by the sealing material 25 peeling off from the intermediate material 44, which may reduce the durability of the cell stack device 10.

[0102] Therefore, the surface roughness of the surface 441 can be made larger than the surface roughness of the surface 444. This can improve the adhesion between the surface 441 of the intermediate member 44 and the sealing material 25, for example. This makes it difficult for the sealing material 25 to peel off from the surface 441 located on the side of the surface 444 that is exposed to the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23), making it difficult for fuel gas to leak. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the durability of the cell stack device 10 can be improved.

[0103] In the above-described embodiment, the durability of cell 1A is increased by having portions with different surface roughness at different positions on intermediate material 44, but the durability of cell 1A can also be increased by having portions with different thicknesses at different positions on intermediate material 44.

[0104] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to the second embodiment. Intermediate member 44 shown in Fig. 11 has surface 443 as a first portion and surface 444 as a second portion. Surface 444 is a portion closer to the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23). Surface 443 is farther from the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23) than surface 444, and is a portion closer to fuel electrode 5 or adhesive 9, which are in a reducing atmosphere.

[0105] 11, the intermediate material 44 may have a thickness t22, which is the average thickness of the surface 444, that is greater than a thickness t21, which is the average thickness of the surface 443. This makes it possible to make it difficult for chromium contained in the support substrate 2 to be desorbed into the oxidizing atmosphere (external space 23), even during high-temperature operation, for example. Therefore, with this configuration, the durability of the cell 1A can be improved, and therefore the durability of the cell stack device 10 can be improved.

[0106] 12 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to Embodiment 2. The intermediate material 44 may have different surface roughnesses at a first interface 44a of the intermediate material 44 facing the sealing material 25 and a second interface 44b of the intermediate material 44 facing the support substrate 2, thereby improving the durability of the cell 1A.

[0107] Specifically, the surface roughness of the first interface 44a may be greater than the surface roughness of the second interface 44b. This can improve the adhesion between the intermediate material 44 and the sealing material 25. This makes it difficult for the sealing material 25 to peel off from the intermediate material 44, making it less likely for fuel gas to leak. Therefore, with this configuration, the durability of the cell 1A can be improved, and therefore the durability of the cell stack device 10 can be improved.

[0108] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to Embodiment 2. The durability of cell 1A may be improved by adjusting the content of a specific metal element located at the boundary between support substrate 2 and intermediate material 44 to be different from the content of the metal element in support substrate 2 or intermediate material 44.

[0109] Specifically, at least one element of Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al is located near an interface 44i, which is the boundary between the support substrate 2 and the intermediate material 44. Furthermore, a first content rate, which is the total content rate of Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al near the interface 44i, may be greater than a second content rate, which is the total content rate of Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al inside the support substrate 2 or inside the intermediate material 44.

[0110] This can improve the adhesion between the support substrate 2 and the intermediate material 44. As a result, the support substrate 2 and the intermediate material 44 are less likely to peel off, making it less likely that fuel gas will leak. This can improve the durability of the cell 1A, and therefore the durability of the cell stack device 10.

[0111] The specific element located near the interface 44i can be present as a simple substance, an alloy, or a metal oxide. Such an element may be located on either the support substrate 2 side or the intermediate material 44 side, or may be located so as to straddle the support substrate 2 and the intermediate material 44. Such an element may be located throughout the entire interface 44i, or, for example, only in a portion of the interface 44i.

[0112] <Evaluation method> Here, the thickness of each portion of the intermediate materials 24, 44 is calculated by image analysis of a cross section perpendicular to the surface of each portion. First, the intermediate materials 24, 44, the interconnector 4, the support substrate 2, and the sealant 25 are cut out and embedded in resin, and the cross section perpendicular to the surface of each portion is polished using abrasive grains, lapping film (approximately #8000), etc. to obtain a mirror-finished cross section. The obtained cross section is photographed using an SEM (scanning electron microscope), an optical microscope, etc., and the obtained image is analyzed to measure the thickness of each portion. The thickness of each portion of the intermediate materials 24, 44 can be, for example, the average value of thicknesses measured at any three points in each portion.

[0113] The surface roughness of each surface of the intermediate materials 24, 44 can be determined based on the arithmetic mean roughness Ra specified in JIS B0633;2001. The arithmetic mean roughness Ra can be calculated by image analysis of a cross section perpendicular to each surface on which the surface roughness is measured, as in the case of measuring the thickness of each portion. The surface roughness of each surface of the intermediate materials 24, 44 can be calculated by, for example, the average value of the surface roughness measured at any three points on each surface.

[0114] The Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al contents in each of the intermediate materials 24, 44, the interconnector 4, the support substrate 2, and the sealant 25 can be confirmed by cutting or scraping each portion from the cell 1, 1A and performing elemental analysis such as ICP optical emission spectroscopy. Whether or not a specific element is present at the boundary between each member can be determined by elemental analysis of a cross section including the boundary, such as specific element mapping, using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a transmission electron microscope (TEM), or a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM), an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS), or energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), etc. In addition, the Mn, Ti, Ca and Al content in each component and in the boundary between each component can be calculated by performing elemental analysis of cross sections of the intermediate materials 24, 44, the interconnector 4, the support substrate 2 and the sealing material 25 using an electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA), wavelength dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (WDS) or energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), etc.

[0115] (Thickness of intermediate material) The thickness of the intermediate materials 24, 44 calculated as described above can be set to, for example, 2 μm to 400 μm on average across the entire intermediate materials 24, 44.

[0116] (Surface roughness of each surface) The surface roughness (arithmetic mean roughness Ra) of each surface of the intermediate materials 24, 44 calculated as described above may be, for example, 0.1 μm to 30 μm. The surface roughness (arithmetic mean roughness Ra) of some of the surfaces of the intermediate materials 24, 44 may be, for example, 0.1 μm to 30 μm.

[0117] (Mn, Ti, Ca and Al content) The Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al contents calculated as above in each of intermediate materials 24, 44, interconnector 4, support substrate 2, and sealant 25 can be, for example, 0.01% by mass to 10% by mass. The Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al contents in intermediate materials 24, 44, interconnector 4, support substrate 2, and the boundary between intermediate materials 24, 44 and interconnector 4, support substrate 2, respectively, can be, for example, 0.01% by mass to 10% by mass (intermediate materials 24, 44), 0.01% by mass to 10% by mass (interconnector 4, support substrate 2), and 0.1% by mass to 30% by mass (boundary).

[0118] (Manufacturing method) The intermediate materials 24, 44 according to the embodiments can be formed by methods such as thermal spraying, vapor deposition, electrodeposition, sputtering, etc. Alternatively, the intermediate materials 24, 44 may be formed by coating the surface of the interconnector 4 or the support substrate 2 with a coating material and then firing the coating material.

[0119] The surface roughness of each surface of the intermediate material 24, 44 and / or the thickness of each portion of the intermediate material 24, 44 may be polished to a desired value. Furthermore, the desired values ​​may be achieved by changing various conditions during the formation of the intermediate material 24, 44. Furthermore, other surfaces may also be formed by appropriately combining the manufacturing method of the intermediate material 24, 44 and known techniques.

[0120] [Other embodiments] In the above-described embodiments, a fuel cell, a fuel cell stack device, a fuel cell module, and a fuel cell device are shown as examples of an "electrochemical cell," "electrochemical cell device," "module," and "module housing device." However, other examples may be an electrolysis cell, an electrolysis cell stack device, an electrolysis module, and an electrolysis device, respectively. The electrolysis cell has a first electrode and a second electrode, and decomposes water vapor into hydrogen and oxygen, or decomposes carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide and oxygen, when supplied with electric power. Furthermore, in the above-described embodiments, an oxide ion conductor or a hydrogen ion conductor is shown as an example of the electrolyte material of the electrochemical cell, but a hydroxide ion conductor may also be used. The durability of such electrolysis cells, electrolysis cell stack devices, electrolysis modules, and electrolysis devices can also be improved.

[0121] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications, improvements, etc. are possible within the scope that does not deviate from the gist of the present disclosure.

[0122] As described above, an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment (for example, cell 1) includes a porous portion (for example, support substrate 2), a metal member (for example, interconnector 4), a sealing material (for example, sealing material 25), and an intermediate material (for example, intermediate material 24). The porous portion is conductive. The metal member contains chromium. The sealing material is located on the porous portion and on the metal member. The intermediate material is located between the metal member and the sealing material. The intermediate material has two or more portions with different surface roughness or thickness at different positions. This can increase the durability of the electrochemical cell.

[0123] Moreover, an electrochemical cell according to an embodiment (for example, cell 1) includes a porous portion (for example, support substrate 2), a metal member (for example, interconnector 4), a sealing material (for example, sealing material 25), and an intermediate material (for example, intermediate material 24). The porous portion is conductive. The metal member contains chromium. The sealing material is located on the porous portion and on the metal member. The intermediate material is located between the metal member and the sealing material. The surface roughness of a first interface of the intermediate material facing the sealing material is different from the surface roughness of a second interface of the intermediate material facing the metal member. This can increase the durability of the electrochemical cell.

[0124] Moreover, an electrochemical cell according to the embodiment (for example, cell 1) includes a porous portion (for example, support substrate 2), a metal member (for example, interconnector 4), a sealing material (for example, sealing material 25), and an intermediate material (for example, intermediate material 24). The porous portion is electrically conductive. The metal member contains chromium. The sealing material is located on the porous portion and on the metal member. The intermediate material is located between the metal member and the sealing material. At least one element selected from Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al is located at the boundary between the metal member and the intermediate material. A first content, which is the sum of the contents of Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al at the boundary, is different from a second content, which is the sum of the contents of Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al inside the metal member or inside the intermediate material. This improves the durability of the electrochemical cell.

[0125] Furthermore, the electrochemical cell device (for example, the cell stack device 10) of the present disclosure has a cell stack including the electrochemical cell described above, which allows for a highly durable electrochemical cell device.

[0126] Furthermore, the module 100 of the present disclosure includes the electrochemical cell device described above and a container 101 that houses the electrochemical cell device, thereby making it possible to provide a highly durable module 100.

[0127] The module housing device 110 of the present disclosure includes the above-described module 100, accessories for operating the module 100, and an exterior case for housing the module 100 and the accessories. This allows the module housing device 110 to be highly durable.

[0128] The disclosed embodiments should be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. Indeed, the above-described embodiments may be embodied in various forms. Furthermore, the above-described embodiments may be omitted, substituted, or modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0129] 1.1A cell 4 Interconnector 10 Cell stack device 11 Cell stack 12 Fixing member 13 Fixing material 14 Support member 15 Support 16 Gas Tank 17 End current collecting member 18 Conductive material 23 Exterior Space 24,44 Intermediate material 25 Sealing material 100 modules 110 Module storage device

Claims

1. a conductive porous portion; a metal member containing chromium; a sealing material positioned on the porous portion and the metal member; an intermediate material positioned between the metal member and the sealing material; Equipped with The intermediate material has two or more portions with different surface roughness or thickness at different positions. Electrochemical cell.

2. The intermediate material is an insulating oxide.

10. The electrochemical cell of claim 1.

3. the intermediate material has a first surface close to a reducing atmosphere and a second surface closer to an oxidizing atmosphere than the first surface, The surface roughness of the second surface is smaller than the surface roughness of the first surface.

10. The electrochemical cell of claim 1.

4. the intermediate material has a first portion close to a reducing atmosphere and a second portion closer to an oxidizing atmosphere than the first portion, The thickness of the second portion is greater than the thickness of the first portion.

10. The electrochemical cell of claim 1.

5. a conductive porous portion; a metal member containing chromium; a sealing material positioned on the porous portion and the metal member; an intermediate material positioned between the metal member and the sealing material; Equipped with The surface roughness of a first interface of the intermediate material facing the sealing material is different from the surface roughness of a second interface of the intermediate material facing the metal member. Electrochemical cell.

6. The surface roughness of the first interface is greater than the surface roughness of the second interface.

6. The electrochemical cell of claim 5.

7. a conductive porous portion; a metal member containing chromium; a sealing material positioned on the porous portion and the metal member; an intermediate material positioned between the metal member and the sealing material; Equipped with At least one element of Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al is located at the boundary between the metal member and the intermediate material, and a first content rate, which is the sum of the contents of Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al at the boundary, is different from a second content rate, which is the sum of the contents of Mn, Ti, Ca, and Al inside the metal member or inside the intermediate material. Electrochemical cell.

8. The first content is greater than the second content.

8. The electrochemical cell of claim 7.

9. A cell stack comprising the electrochemical cell according to any one of claims 1 to 8. Electrochemical cell apparatus.

10. The electrochemical cell device according to claim 9 ; a container for housing the electrochemical cell device; A module comprising:

11. A module according to claim 10; Auxiliary equipment for operating the module; an exterior case that houses the module and the auxiliary equipment; A module housing device comprising:

Images