Electrochemical cell, electrochemical cell device, module, and module storage device

Abstract

An electrochemical cell comprises a solid electrolyte layer, a first electrode, and an intermediate layer. The solid electrolyte layer contains Zr. The first electrode contains La and Sr. The intermediate layer contains Ce and first particles, and is positioned between the solid electrolyte layer and the first electrode. The first particles are an oxide of one or more elements selected from the element group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni.

Description

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

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

[0002] In recent years, various fuel cell stack devices including 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 electricity using a fuel gas such as a hydrogen-containing gas and an oxygen-containing gas such as air.

[0003] International Publication No. WO 2016 / 124929 International Publication No. WO 2004 / 089848

[0004] An electrochemical cell according to one aspect of the present invention includes a solid electrolyte layer, a first electrode, and an intermediate layer. The solid electrolyte layer includes Zr. The first electrode includes La and Sr. The intermediate layer includes Ce and first particles and is located between the solid electrolyte layer and the first electrode. The first particles are oxides of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni.

[0005] The electrochemical cell device of the present disclosure also includes a cell stack including the electrochemical cell described above.

[0006] The module of the present disclosure also includes the electrochemical cell device described above and a container that houses the electrochemical cell device.

[0007] The module housing device of the present disclosure also includes the module described above, an accessory configured to operate the module, and an exterior case housing the module and the accessory.

[0008] 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 an example of an electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment, viewed from the air electrode side. FIG. 1C is a side view of an example of an electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment, viewed from the interconnector side. FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged region R1 shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged region R1 shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a top view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an external perspective view showing an example of a module according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view schematically showing an example of a module housing device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to the second embodiment. FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged region R2 shown in FIG. 6B. FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing an enlarged region R2 shown in FIG. 6B. FIG. 8A is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to a third embodiment. FIG. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrochemical cell shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 9A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region R3 shown in FIG. 8B. FIG. 9B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region R3 shown in FIG. 8B. FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10B is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional view showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 11A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region R4 shown in FIG. 10A. FIG. 11B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a region R4 shown in FIG. 10A.

[0009] The above-described fuel cell stack device has room for improvement in terms of durability.

[0010] Therefore, there is a need to provide an electrochemical cell, an electrochemical cell device, a module, and a module housing device that can improve durability.

[0011] 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.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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 an example of an electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment, viewed from the air electrode side. FIG. 1C is a side view of an example of an electrochemical cell according to the first embodiment, viewed 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.

[0015] 1A to 1C, the 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 may be, for example, a rectangle with a side length in the length direction L of 5 cm to 50 cm and a width direction W perpendicular to the length direction L of 1 cm to 10 cm. The thickness of the entire cell 1 in the thickness direction T may be, for example, 1 mm to 5 mm.

[0016] 1A, the cell 1 includes a conductive support substrate 2, an element portion 3, and an interconnector 4. The support substrate 2 may be columnar, having a pair of opposing flat surfaces, that is, surfaces n1 and n2, and a pair of arc-shaped side surfaces m connecting the surfaces n1 and n2.

[0017] The element section 3 is located on the surface n1 of the support substrate 2. The element section 3 includes a fuel electrode 5, a solid electrolyte layer 6, an intermediate layer 7, and a cathode 8.

[0018] 1B, the air electrode 8 does not extend to the lower end of the cell 1. At the lower end of the cell 1, only the solid electrolyte layer 6 is exposed on the surface of face n1. 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. As shown in FIG. 1A, the solid electrolyte layer 6 is exposed on the surface of a pair of arc-shaped side faces m of the cell 1. The interconnector 4 does not have to extend to the lower end of the cell 1.

[0019] Each of the components constituting the cell 1 will be described below.

[0020] 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 has gas permeability, and allows the fuel gas flowing in the gas flow channels 2a to permeate to the anode 5. The support substrate 2 may be conductive. The conductive support substrate 2 collects electricity generated in the element section 3 to the interconnector 4.

[0021] 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, one or more rare earth elements selected from Sc (scandium), Y (yttrium), La (lanthanum), Nd (neodymium), Sm (samarium), Gd (gadolinium), Dy (dysprosium), and Yb (ytterbium).

[0022] The anode 5 is a second electrode that comes into contact with a reducing fuel gas. The anode 5 has gas permeability. The open porosity of the anode 5 may be, for example, 30% or more and 50% or less, and particularly 35% or more and 45% or less. The open porosity of the anode 5 may also be referred to as the porosity or void ratio of the anode 5.

[0023] The fuel electrode 5 is made of a porous conductive ceramic, such as calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or ZrO in which a rare earth element oxide is solid-solved. ２ and ceramics containing Ni and / or NiO. The rare earth element oxide may contain a plurality of rare earth elements selected from, for example, Sc, Y, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb. Calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or ZrO in which a rare earth element oxide is solid-solved. ２ The stabilized zirconia may include partially stabilized zirconia.

[0024] The solid electrolyte layer 6 is a solid oxide electrolyte. The solid electrolyte layer 6 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, making it difficult for leakage of fuel gas and oxygen-containing gas to occur.

[0025] The solid electrolyte layer 6 contains Zr. The material of the solid electrolyte layer 6 is, for example, ZrO in which 3 mol % to 15 mol % of a rare earth element oxide is dissolved. ２ The rare earth element oxide may contain, for example, one or more rare earth elements selected from Sc, Y, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb. The solid electrolyte layer 6 may be, for example, ZrO in which Y, Yb, Sc, or Gd is solid-solved. ２ and BaZrO in which Sc, Y or Yb is solid-solved. ３ The solid electrolyte layer 6 may contain, for example, ZrO in which an oxide containing Mg and / or Ca is dissolved. ２ may include:

[0026] The intermediate layer 7 is located between the solid electrolyte layer 6 and the air electrode 8. The intermediate layer 7 makes it difficult for certain elements to diffuse. For example, when Sr (strontium) contained in the air electrode 8 diffuses into the solid electrolyte layer 6, SrZrO ３ The intermediate layer 7 is formed as a resistive layer of SrZrO by making it difficult for Sr to diffuse. ３ This makes it difficult for

[0027] The intermediate layer 7 contains Ce. The intermediate layer 7 may contain Gd. The intermediate layer 7 further contains an oxide of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni. The material of the intermediate layer 7 is, for example, cerium oxide (CeO) in which one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni are dissolved. ２ The intermediate layer 7 may contain, for example, CeO in which Sm and / or Gd are solid-solved. ２ The intermediate layer 7 will be described in detail later.

[0028] The air electrode 8 is a first electrode that comes into contact with an oxygen-containing gas. The air electrode 8 has gas permeability. The open porosity of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, 20% or more and 50% or less, and particularly 30% or more and 50% or less. The open porosity of the air electrode 8 may also be referred to as the porosity of the air electrode 8.

[0029] The cathode 8 contains La and Sr. The material of the cathode 8 is, for example, so-called ABO ３ The cathode 8 may be made of a conductive ceramic such as a perovskite-type oxide. The cathode 8 may also include a spinel-type oxide containing La and Sr, for example.

[0030] The material of the air electrode 8 may be, for example, a composite oxide in which La (lanthanum) and Sr (strontium) coexist at the A site. Examples of such composite oxides include La ｘ Sr １－ｘ Co ｙ Fe １－ｙ O ３ , La ｘ Sr １－ｘ MnO ３ , La ｘ Sr １－ｘ FeO ３ , La ｘ Sr １－ｘ CoO ３ Here, x is 0<x<1, and y is 0<y<1.

[0031] Furthermore, the interconnector 4 is dense and makes it difficult for leakage of the fuel gas flowing through the gas flow passage 2a located inside the support substrate 2 and the oxygen-containing gas flowing outside the support substrate 2 to occur. The interconnector 4 may have a relative density of 93% or more, particularly 95% or more.

[0032] The material of the interconnector 4 is a lanthanum chromite-based perovskite oxide (LaCrO ３ -based oxides), lanthanum strontium titanium-based perovskite-type oxides (LaSrTiO ３ These materials are electrically conductive and are not easily reduced or oxidized even when in contact with fuel gases such as hydrogen-containing gases and oxygen-containing gases such as air.

[0033] <Details of Electrochemical Cell> Next, details of the electrochemical cell according to this embodiment will be further described with reference to Figures 2A and 2B, which are enlarged cross-sectional views of region R1 shown in Figure 1A.

[0034] The solid electrolyte layer 6 contains Zr. The air electrode 8 contains La and Sr.

[0035] The intermediate layer 7 contains Ce. The intermediate layer 7 has a first surface 71 and a second surface 72 located on the opposite side of the first surface 71. The first surface 71 faces the air electrode 8, which is the first electrode. The second surface 72 faces the solid electrolyte layer 6.

[0036] The intermediate layer 7 further includes first particles 7a. The first particles 7a include an oxide of one or more elements selected from the group of elements consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni. The first particles 7a may further include Ce. The first particles 7a may include, for example, cerium oxide (CeO ) in which one or more elements selected from the group of elements consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni are dissolved. ２ ) may also be included.

[0037] In this way, by including the first particles 7a in the intermediate layer 7, for example, it is possible to reduce the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, and to alleviate the stress occurring between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it less likely for peeling to occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This improves the durability of the cell 1 according to this embodiment.

[0038] The average particle diameter of the first particles 7 a in the intermediate layer 7 may be 0.2 μm or more and 5 μm or less, which can reduce the increase in the actual resistance of the intermediate layer 7 due to the inclusion of the first particles 7 a, making it difficult for the performance of the cell 1 to deteriorate.

[0039] 2A , the intermediate layer 7 may have a first portion 7A including a first surface 71 facing the air electrode 8 and a second portion 7B including a second surface 72 facing the solid electrolyte layer 6. In this case, the first portion 7A may have a higher average concentration of the element group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni than the second portion 7B.

[0040] This further reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, thereby further alleviating the stress generated between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it even less likely that peeling will occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This improves the durability of the cell 1 according to this embodiment.

[0041] Here, the first portion 7A is a portion of the intermediate layer 7 that is divided into three equal parts in the thickness direction T (see FIG. 1A ) and faces the air electrode 8. When the thickness of the first portion 7A is t1, the first portion 7A refers to the range up to the distance t1 from the first surface 71 in the direction toward the solid electrolyte layer 6. When the average thickness of the intermediate layer 7 is T0, t1 and T0 have the relationship t1 = (1 / 3) × T0.

[0042] The second region 7B is a region of the intermediate layer 7 that is divided into three equal parts in the thickness direction T (see FIG. 1A ) and faces the solid electrolyte layer 6. When the thickness of the second region 7B is t2, the second region 7B refers to the range up to the distance t2 from the second surface 72 in the direction toward the solid electrolyte layer 6. When the average thickness of the intermediate layer 7 is T0, t2 and T0 have the relationship t2 = (1 / 3) × T0.

[0043] In addition, the average concentration of the group of elements consisting of Co, Fe, Mo and Ni (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "group of elements such as Co") can be calculated as the ratio of the total atomic percentage of the group of elements such as Co to the total atomic percentage of each metal element contained in the intermediate layer 7.

[0044] 2A , the number of first particles 7a per unit area located in the intermediate layer 7 may be greater in the first region 7A than in the second region 7B. This reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, thereby easing stress generated between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it less likely for peeling to occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This improves the durability of the cell 1 according to this embodiment.

[0045] The third portion 7C is located between the first portion 7A and the second portion 7B. The third portion 7C may have a lower average concentration of the group of elements consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni than the first portion 7A. Alternatively, the third portion 7C may have a higher average concentration of the group of elements consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni than the second portion 7B.

[0046] Furthermore, the number of first particles 7 a located in the intermediate layer 7 per unit area in the third region 7C may be smaller than that in the first region 7A. The number of first particles 7 a located in the intermediate layer 7 per unit area in the third region 7C may be larger than that in the second region 7B.

[0047] 2B , the intermediate layer 7 may have first particles 7a located in a region 7D that includes the first surface 71. When the average thickness of the intermediate layer 7 is T0, the distance of the region 7D from the first surface 71 can be set to a range of 0.1 × T0 or less. This reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, and alleviates stress generated between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it less likely for peeling to occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This improves the durability of the cell 1 according to this embodiment.

[0048] Furthermore, the intermediate layer 7 may not include the first particles 7a in the region 7E including the second surface 72. When the average thickness of the intermediate layer 7 is T0, the distance of the region 7E from the second surface 72 can be set to a range of 0.025 × T0 or less. This reduces the thermal expansion difference between the intermediate layer 7 and the solid electrolyte layer 6, and alleviates stress generated between the intermediate layer 7 and the solid electrolyte layer 6. This makes it less likely for peeling to occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the solid electrolyte layer 6. This improves the durability of the cell 1 according to this embodiment.

[0049] Here, the average thickness of the intermediate layer 7 can be confirmed, for example, by observing a cross section of the intermediate layer 7 with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Specifically, the cross section of the intermediate layer 7 is observed with an SEM, and the average distance between the first surface 71 and the second surface 72 is calculated, which can be used as the average thickness of the intermediate layer 7. Furthermore, the ranges of the first portion 7A to the third portion 7C and the regions 7D and 7E can be specified based on the calculated average thickness of the intermediate layer 7.

[0050] The positions and average particle diameters of the first particles 7a can be determined by, for example, performing elemental analysis of a cross section of the intermediate layer 7 using EDS (energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) or EPMA (electron probe microanalyzer) to identify particles containing one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni, followed by image analysis. Specifically, a cross-sectional photograph of the intermediate layer 7 is taken with an SEM at, for example, 2000x magnification, and the first particles 7a containing one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni are identified using EPMA. The obtained cross-sectional photograph is subjected to image analysis to calculate the diameters of 20 or more of the identified first particles 7a. The diameters of the first particles 7a can be determined by, for example, measuring the perimeter of the first particles 7a using image analysis software and converting the perimeter into a circle-equivalent diameter.

[0051] The number of first particles 7a per unit area in intermediate layer 7 can be confirmed, for example, by using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to observe a cross section of intermediate layer 7. Specifically, the cross sections of first regions 7A to third regions 7C are observed using SEM, the first particles 7a contained in first regions 7A to third regions 7C are identified and counted, and the number of first particles 7a per unit area in each region is calculated.

[0052] The average concentration of the group of elements consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni (Co and other elements) in each portion of the intermediate layer 7 can be confirmed, for example, by the following procedure. First, a cross-sectional photograph of the intermediate layer 7 is taken with an SEM at 10,000x magnification, and the intermediate layer 7 is identified to identify the first portion 7A to the third portion 7C and the regions 7D and 7E. Semi-quantitative analysis is performed on the photographed cross-section, for example, using an EPMA, to confirm the metal elements contained in the intermediate layer 7. Element mapping is performed on the photographed cross-section using the EPMA for the metal elements detected by the semi-quantitative analysis. The ratio of the total atomic percentage of the Co and other elements to the total atomic percentage of each detected metal element is calculated, and this is defined as the concentration of the Co and other elements. Furthermore, the average value of the obtained concentrations of the Co and other elements in each portion of the intermediate layer 7 is calculated, and this is defined as the average concentration of the Co and other elements in each portion of the intermediate layer 7.

[0053] Each part or region of the intermediate layer 7 can be adjusted, for example, by changing the amount of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni added to the material of each part or region in the process of forming the intermediate layer 7. However, the method of forming the intermediate layer 7 is not limited to the above.

[0054] <Configuration of Electrochemical Cell Device> Next, an electrochemical cell device according to this embodiment using the above-described cell 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C. FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X shown in FIG. 3A. FIG. 3C is a top view showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to the first embodiment.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 3A, the cell stack device 10 includes a cell stack 11 having a plurality of cells 1 arranged (stacked) in the thickness direction T of the cells 1 (see FIG. 1A), and a fixing member 12.

[0056] 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 the gas tank 16, which are the support member 14, may be made of, for example, metal.

[0057] 3B, 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 fixing material 13.

[0058] 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.

[0059] In the example shown in Fig. 3A, fuel gas is stored in an internal space 22 (see Fig. 3B) 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. 4), which will be described later.

[0060] 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.

[0061] The example shown in Fig. 3A 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 may have two through-holes on its top surface. A support 15 is disposed in each through-hole. The internal space 22 may be formed by one gas tank 16 and two supports 15.

[0062] The shape of the insertion hole 15a may be, 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, may be 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 may be greater than the length of the cell 1 in the width direction W (see FIG. 1A ).

[0063] 3B , the joint between the inner wall of the insertion hole 15a and the lower end of the cell 1 is filled with a fixing material 13 and solidified. As a result, the inner wall of the insertion hole 15a and the lower end of each of the cells 1 may be joined and fixed. Alternatively, the lower ends of the cells 1 may be joined and fixed to each other. The gas flow path 2a of each cell 1 may communicate with the internal space 22 of the support member 14 at its lower end.

[0064] A material with low electrical 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.

[0065] Examples of the crystallized glass include SiO ２ -CaO system, MgO-B ２ O ３ System, La ２ O ３ -B ２ O ３ -MgO system, La ２ O ３ -B ２ O ３ -ZnO-based, SiO ２ -CaO-ZnO system materials, etc., may be used, and in particular SiO ２ - MgO-based materials may also be used.

[0066] 3B , a connecting member 18 may be interposed between adjacent cells 1 among the plurality of cells 1. The connecting member 18 can electrically connect the anode 5 of one adjacent cell 1 to the cathode 8 of the other cell 1 in series. More specifically, the connecting member 18 may connect the interconnector 4 electrically connected to the anode 5 of one adjacent cell 1 to the cathode 8 of the other cell 1.

[0067] 3B, an end current collecting member 17 may be 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 may be connected to a conductive portion 19 that protrudes to the outside of the cell stack 11. The conductive portion 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. 3A.

[0068] 3C, the cell stack device 10 may be a single battery in which two cell stacks 11A, 11B are connected in series. In such a case, the conductive portion 19 of the cell stack device 10 is divided into a positive terminal 19A, a negative terminal 19B, and a connection terminal 19C.

[0069] The positive electrode terminal 19A is a positive electrode when the power generated by the cell stack 11 is output to the outside. The positive electrode terminal 19A is electrically connected to the end current collector 17 on the positive electrode side 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. The negative electrode terminal 19B is electrically connected to the end current collector 17 on the negative electrode side of the cell stack 11B.

[0070] The connection terminal 19C electrically connects the end current collecting member 17 on the negative electrode side of the cell stack 11A to the end current collecting member 17 on the positive electrode side of the cell stack 11B.

[0071] <Module> Next, a module according to an embodiment of the present disclosure using the electrochemical cell device described above will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is an external perspective view showing an example of a module according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 shows a state in which the front and rear surfaces, which are parts of the storage container 101, have been removed and the cell stack device 10 of the fuel cell stored inside has been removed to the rear.

[0072] 4, the module 100 includes a cell stack device 10 and a storage container 101 that stores the cell stack device 10. A reformer 102 may be disposed above the cell stack device 10.

[0073] 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 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.

[0074] The fuel gas produced in the reformer 102 is supplied to the gas flow channel 2 a of the cell 1 (see FIG. 1A) through the gas distribution pipe 20 , the gas tank 16 , and the support member 14 .

[0075] Furthermore, in the module 100 having the above-described configuration, the temperature inside the module 100 during normal power generation is approximately 500° C. or higher and 1000° C. or lower due to the combustion of gas and the power generation of the cells 1 .

[0076] In such a module 100, as described above, the module 100 is configured to house a cell stack device 10 having cells 1 with improved durability, thereby making it possible to make the module 100 with improved durability.

[0077] <Module accommodating device> Next, a fuel cell device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure that accommodates the above-described module 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 5 . FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view that schematically illustrates an example of a module accommodating device according to the first embodiment. The module accommodating device 110 according to this embodiment includes an outer case 111, the module 100 shown in FIG. 4 , and auxiliary equipment (not shown). The auxiliary equipment operates the module 100. The outer case 111 accommodates the module 100 and the auxiliary equipment. Note that some components are omitted in FIG. 5 .

[0078] An exterior case 111 of a module accommodating device 110 shown in Fig. 5 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. The space below the partition plate 114 in the exterior case 111 is an accessory accommodating chamber 116 that accommodates accessory equipment configured to operate the module 100. Note that in Fig. 5, the accessory equipment accommodated in the accessory accommodating chamber 116 is omitted from the illustration.

[0079] 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.

[0080] In such a module accommodating device 110, as described above, the module 100 with improved durability is provided in the module accommodating chamber 115, thereby making it possible to provide a module accommodating device 110 with improved durability.

[0081] In the above embodiment, a case where a hollow flat plate-type support substrate is used is exemplified, but the present invention can also be applied to a cell stack device that uses a cylindrical support substrate.

[0082] Second Embodiment Next, an electrochemical cell and an electrochemical cell device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6A to 7B.

[0083] In the above-described embodiment, a vertically striped electrochemical cell device is illustrated in which so-called "vertically striped" electrochemical cells, each having only one element unit including a fuel electrode, a solid electrolyte layer, and an air electrode, are arranged on the surface of a support substrate. However, the present invention can also be applied to a horizontally striped electrochemical cell device in which so-called "horizontally striped" electrochemical cells are arranged. A "horizontally striped" electrochemical cell is an electrochemical cell in which element units are provided at multiple locations spaced apart from each other on the surface of a support substrate, and adjacent element units are electrically connected.

[0084] 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views showing an example of an electrochemical cell device according to the second embodiment, and a transverse cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to the second embodiment.

[0085] 6A, in the cell stack device 10A, a plurality of cells 1A extend in the longitudinal direction L from a pipe 22a through which fuel gas flows. Each cell 1A has a plurality of element units 3 on a support substrate 2. A gas flow path 2a through which fuel gas flows from the pipe 22a is provided inside the support substrate 2.

[0086] The cells 1A are electrically connected to one another via connection members 31. The connection members 31 are located between the element portions 3 of the cells 1A, and connect the adjacent cells 1A to one another.

[0087] 6B, the cell 1A according to this embodiment includes a support substrate 2, a pair of element units 3, and a sealing unit 30. The support substrate 2 is columnar and has a pair of opposing flat surfaces, that is, surfaces n1 and n2, and a pair of arc-shaped side surfaces m connecting the surfaces n1 and n2.

[0088] The pair of element portions 3 are located on the surface n1 and the surface n2 of the support substrate 2, respectively. The pair of element portions 3 may be located so as to face each other across the support substrate 2. In addition, the sealing portion 30 is located so as to cover the side surface m of the support substrate 2.

[0089] 7A and 7B are enlarged cross-sectional views of a region R2 shown in Fig. 6B. The solid electrolyte layer 6 contains Zr. The air electrode 8 contains La and Sr.

[0090] The intermediate layer 7 contains Ce. The intermediate layer 7 has a first surface 71 and a second surface 72 located on the opposite side of the first surface 71. The first surface 71 faces the air electrode 8, which is the first electrode. The second surface 72 faces the solid electrolyte layer 6.

[0091] The intermediate layer 7 further includes first particles 7a. The first particles 7a include an oxide of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni. This can reduce the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, for example, and relieve stress generated between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it less likely for peeling to occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This improves the durability of the cell 1A according to this embodiment.

[0092] 7A , the intermediate layer 7 may have a first portion 7A including a first surface 71 facing the air electrode 8 and a second portion 7B including a second surface 72 facing the solid electrolyte layer 6. In this case, the first portion 7A may have a higher average concentration of the element group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni than the second portion 7B.

[0093] This further reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, thereby further alleviating the stress generated between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it even less likely that peeling will occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This improves the durability of the cell 1A according to this embodiment.

[0094] 7A , the number of first particles 7 a per unit area located in the intermediate layer 7 may be greater in the first region 7A than in the second region 7B. This reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, thereby easing stress generated between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it less likely for peeling to occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This improves the durability of the cell 1A according to this embodiment.

[0095] The third portion 7C is located between the first portion 7A and the second portion 7B. The third portion 7C may have a lower average concentration of the group of elements consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni than the first portion 7A. Alternatively, the third portion 7C may have a higher average concentration of the group of elements consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni than the second portion 7B.

[0096] Furthermore, the number of first particles 7 a per unit area in the intermediate layer 7 may be smaller in the third region 7C than in the first region 7A. The number of first particles 7 a per unit area in the third region 7C may be larger than that in the second region 7B.

[0097] 7B , when the average thickness of the intermediate layer 7 is T0, the intermediate layer 7 may include the first surface 71 and may include first particles 7a in a region 7D that is a distance from the first surface 71 that is equal to or less than 0.1 × T0. This reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, and alleviates stress that occurs between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it less likely that peeling will occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This improves the durability of the cell 1C according to this embodiment.

[0098] Furthermore, the intermediate layer 7 may not include the first particles 7a in a region 7E that includes the second surface 72 and is located at a distance of 0.025 × T0 or less from the second surface 72. This reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the solid electrolyte layer 6, and alleviates stress that occurs between the intermediate layer 7 and the solid electrolyte layer 6. This makes it less likely that peeling will occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the solid electrolyte layer 6. This improves the durability of the cell 1A according to this embodiment.

[0099] [Third Embodiment] Fig. 8A is a perspective view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to a third embodiment, and Fig. 8B is a partial cross-sectional view of the electrochemical cell shown in Fig. 8A.

[0100] 8A and 8B , the cell 1B includes an element section 3B in which an anode 5, a solid electrolyte layer 6, an intermediate layer 7, and a cathode 8 are stacked in this order, and conductive members 91 and 92 positioned on either side of the element section 3B. In an electrochemical cell device in which a plurality of flat cells are stacked, for example, the plurality of cells 1B are electrically connected by the conductive members 91 and 92, which are adjacent metal layers. The conductive members 91 and 92 electrically connect adjacent cells 1B to each other and have gas flow paths for supplying gas to the anode 5 or the cathode 8.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 8B, cell 1B has a sealing material that airtightly seals the fuel gas flow path and the oxygen-containing gas flow path of the flat cell stack. The sealing material is a fixing member 96 for cell 1B. The fixing member 96 has a bonding material 93 and support members 94 and 95 that serve as a frame. The bonding material 93 may be glass or a metal material such as silver solder.

[0102] The support member 94 may be a so-called separator that separates the fuel gas flow path from the oxygen-containing gas flow path. The material of the support members 94, 95 may be, for example, a conductive metal or an insulating ceramic. Either or both of the support members 94, 95 may be made of an insulating material. If the support member 94 is made of metal, the support member 94 may be integrated with the conductive member 92. If the support member 95 is made of metal, the support member 95 may be integrated with the conductive member 91.

[0103] One of the support members 94 and 95 is insulating, and electrically insulates the two conductive members 91 and 92 that sandwich the flat cell from each other.

[0104] 9A and 9B are enlarged cross-sectional views of a region R3 shown in Fig. 8B. The solid electrolyte layer 6 contains Zr. The air electrode 8 contains La and Sr.

[0105] The intermediate layer 7 contains Ce. The intermediate layer 7 has a first surface 71 and a second surface 72 located on the opposite side of the first surface 71. The first surface 71 faces the air electrode 8, which is the first electrode. The second surface 72 faces the solid electrolyte layer 6.

[0106] The intermediate layer 7 further includes first particles 7a. The first particles 7a include an oxide of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni. This, for example, can reduce the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, thereby easing stress generated between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it less likely for peeling to occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. As a result, the durability of the cell 1B according to this embodiment is improved.

[0107] 9A , the intermediate layer 7 may have a first portion 7A including a first surface 71 facing the air electrode 8 and a second portion 7B including a second surface 72 facing the solid electrolyte layer 6. In this case, the first portion 7A may have a higher average concentration of the element group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni than the second portion 7B.

[0108] This further reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, thereby further alleviating the stress generated between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it even less likely that peeling will occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This improves the durability of the cell 1B according to this embodiment.

[0109] 9A , the number of first particles 7a per unit area located in the intermediate layer 7 may be greater in the first region 7A than in the second region 7B. This reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, thereby easing stress generated between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it less likely for peeling to occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. Therefore, the durability of the cell 1B according to this embodiment is improved.

[0110] The third portion 7C is located between the first portion 7A and the second portion 7B. The third portion 7C may have a lower average concentration of the group of elements consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni than the first portion 7A. Alternatively, the third portion 7C may have a higher average concentration of the group of elements consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni than the second portion 7B.

[0111] Furthermore, the number of first particles 7 a per unit area in the intermediate layer 7 may be smaller in the third region 7C than in the first region 7A. The number of first particles 7 a per unit area in the third region 7C may be larger than that in the second region 7B.

[0112] 9B , when the average thickness of the intermediate layer 7 is T0, the intermediate layer 7 may include the first surface 71 and may include first particles 7a in a region 7D that is at a distance from the first surface 71 that is equal to or less than 0.1×T0. This reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, and alleviates stress that occurs between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it less likely that peeling will occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This improves the durability of the cell 1B according to this embodiment.

[0113] Furthermore, the intermediate layer 7 may not include the first particles 7a in a region 7E that includes the second surface 72 and is located at a distance of 0.025 × T0 or less from the second surface 72. This reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the solid electrolyte layer 6, and alleviates stress that occurs between the intermediate layer 7 and the solid electrolyte layer 6. This makes it less likely that peeling will occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the solid electrolyte layer 6. This improves the durability of the cell 1B according to this embodiment.

[0114] [Fourth Embodiment] Fig. 10A is a cross-sectional view showing an example of an electrochemical cell according to a fourth embodiment, Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C are cross-sectional views showing another example of an electrochemical cell according to the fourth embodiment.

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 10A to 10C, the cell 1C has an element portion 3C and a support substrate 2. The support substrate 2 has through-holes or pores in the area in contact with the element portion 3C. The support substrate 2 further has a member 120 located outside the gas flow path 2a. The support substrate 2 allows gas to flow between the gas flow path 2a and the element portion 3C. The support substrate 2 may be composed of, for example, one or more metal plates. The material of the metal plate may contain chromium. The metal plate may have a conductive coating layer. The support substrate 2 electrically connects adjacent cells 1 to each other. The element portion 3C may be formed directly on the support substrate 2, or may be bonded to the support substrate 2 with a bonding material.

[0116] The cell 1 may also have an adhesive (not shown) located between the fuel electrode 5 and the support substrate 2. The adhesive bonds the element portion 3C and the support substrate 2 and fixes the element portion 3C to the support substrate 2.

[0117] The adhesive may be conductive. For example, the adhesive may be a mixture of conductive particles such as Ni and TiO ２ , rare earth element oxides (Y ２ O ３ , CeO ２ etc.), transition metal oxides (Fe ２ O ３ The adhesive may contain inorganic oxides such as titanium dioxide, copper dioxide, copper oxide, and the like. The adhesive may contain metal particles and conductive oxide particles.

[0118] The adhesive may be gas permeable. When the adhesive is gas permeable, the adhesive may be positioned so as to cover the through-holes or pores of the support substrate 2.

[0119] The adhesive may be formed as a single layer using a single material, or may be formed as a laminate of multiple materials.

[0120] The cell 1C may further include a constraining layer (not shown). The constraining layer may be located between the element portion 3C and the adhesive. The constraining layer cooperates with the solid electrolyte layer 6 to make the element portion 3C less susceptible to warping, bending, and the like.

[0121] The material of the constraining layer may exhibit a shrinkage rate similar to that of the material of the solid electrolyte layer 6 during firing. The material of the constraining layer may be the same as the material of the solid electrolyte layer 6. The element unit 3C obtained by sandwiching the material of the anode 5 of the element unit 3C between the material of the solid electrolyte layer 6 and the material of the constraining layer and firing the resulting element unit 3C has little warping or deformation.

[0122] The constraining layer may or may not be gas permeable. When the constraining layer has gas barrier properties comparable to those of the solid electrolyte layer 6, the constraining layer can be partially disposed so as not to obstruct the inflow of fuel gas to the anode 5.

[0123] Cell 1C may further include a gas diffusion layer (not shown). The gas diffusion layer may be located between fuel electrode 5 and support substrate 2. The gas diffusion layer has gas permeability and allows fuel gas flowing through gas flow channel 2a to pass through to fuel electrode 5. The open porosity of the gas diffusion layer may be, for example, 30% or more and 50% or less, and particularly 35% or more and 45% or less.

[0124] The material of the gas diffusion layer may be a porous conductive ceramic, such as a ceramic containing calcium oxide, magnesium oxide, or stabilized zirconia or partially stabilized zirconia in which a rare earth element oxide is solid-solved, and Ni and / or NiO. The rare earth element oxide may contain a plurality of rare earth elements selected from, for example, Sc, Y, La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, and Yb.

[0125] In the example shown in Fig. 10A, the side surface of the anode 5 is covered with a solid electrolyte layer 6, which airtightly seals a gas flow channel 2a through which the fuel gas flows. As shown in Fig. 10B, the side surface of the anode 5 may be covered and sealed with a dense glass or ceramic sealant 9. The sealant 9 covering the side surface of the anode 5 may have electrical insulating properties.

[0126] Furthermore, the gas flow path 2a of the support substrate 2 may be formed by a member 120 having projections and recesses as shown in FIG. 10C.

[0127] 11A and 11B are enlarged cross-sectional views of region R4 shown in Fig. 10A. Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B are also applicable to the electrochemical cells shown in Fig. 10B and Fig. 10C.

[0128] The solid electrolyte layer 6 contains Zr. The air electrode 8 contains La and Sr.

[0129] The intermediate layer 7 contains Ce. The intermediate layer 7 has a first surface 71 and a second surface 72 located on the opposite side of the first surface 71. The first surface 71 faces the air electrode 8, which is the first electrode. The second surface 72 faces the solid electrolyte layer 6.

[0130] The intermediate layer 7 further includes first particles 7a. The first particles 7a include an oxide of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni. This, for example, can reduce the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, thereby easing stress generated between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it less likely for peeling to occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. As a result, the durability of the cell 1C according to this embodiment is improved.

[0131] 11A , the intermediate layer 7 may have a first portion 7A including a first surface 71 facing the air electrode 8 and a second portion 7B including a second surface 72 facing the solid electrolyte layer 6. In this case, the first portion 7A may have a higher average concentration of the element group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni than the second portion 7B.

[0132] This further reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, thereby further alleviating the stress generated between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it even less likely that peeling will occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This improves the durability of the cell 1C according to this embodiment.

[0133] 11A , the number of first particles 7a per unit area located in the intermediate layer 7 may be greater in the first region 7A than in the second region 7B. This reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, thereby easing stress generated between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it less likely for peeling to occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This improves the durability of the cell 1C according to this embodiment.

[0134] The third portion 7C is located between the first portion 7A and the second portion 7B. The third portion 7C may have a lower average concentration of the group of elements consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni than the first portion 7A. Alternatively, the third portion 7C may have a higher average concentration of the group of elements consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni than the second portion 7B.

[0135] Furthermore, the number of first particles 7 a per unit area in the intermediate layer 7 may be smaller in the third region 7C than in the first region 7A. The number of first particles 7 a per unit area in the third region 7C may be larger than that in the second region 7B.

[0136] 11B , when the average thickness of the intermediate layer 7 is T0, the intermediate layer 7 may include the first surface 71 and may include first particles 7a in a region 7D that is at a distance from the first surface 71 of 0.1 × T0 or less. This reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8, and alleviates stress that occurs between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This makes it less likely that peeling will occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the air electrode 8. This improves the durability of the cell 1B according to this embodiment.

[0137] Furthermore, the intermediate layer 7 may not include the first particles 7a in a region 7E that includes the second surface 72 and is located at a distance of 0.025 × T0 or less from the second surface 72. This reduces the difference in thermal expansion between the intermediate layer 7 and the solid electrolyte layer 6, and alleviates stress that occurs between the intermediate layer 7 and the solid electrolyte layer 6. This makes it less likely that peeling will occur between the intermediate layer 7 and the solid electrolyte layer 6. This improves the durability of the cell 1B according to this embodiment.

[0138] Other Embodiments Next, electrochemical cell devices according to other embodiments will be described.

[0139] 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. An 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. Such electrolysis cells, electrolysis cell stack devices, electrolysis modules, and electrolysis devices can improve cell performance. Solid oxide fuel cells and electrolysis cells are collectively referred to as solid oxide electrochemical cells.

[0140] The present disclosure has been described in detail above, but 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.

[0141] In one embodiment, (1) an electrochemical cell includes: a solid electrolyte layer containing Zr; a first electrode containing La and Sr; and an intermediate layer containing Ce and positioned between the solid electrolyte layer and the first electrode, wherein the intermediate layer includes first particles that are oxides of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni.

[0142] (2) In the electrochemical cell of (1), the intermediate layer may have a first portion including a first surface facing the first electrode and a second portion including a second surface facing the solid electrolyte layer, and the first portion may have a higher average concentration of the element group than the second portion.

[0143] (3) In the electrochemical cell of (1) or (2) above, when the average thickness of the intermediate layer is T0, the intermediate layer may include the first particles within a range where the distance from the first surface facing the first electrode is 0.1 × T0 or less.

[0144] (4) In the electrochemical cell of any one of (1) to (3) above, when the average thickness of the intermediate layer is T0, the first particles may not be contained within a range where the distance from the second surface facing the solid electrolyte layer is 0.025 × T0 or less.

[0145] (5) In the electrochemical cell of any one of (1) to (4) above, the first particles may have an average particle size of 0.2 μm or more and 5 μm or less.

[0146] In one embodiment, (6) the electrochemical cell device has a cell stack including any one of the electrochemical cells (1) to (5) above.

[0147] In one embodiment, (7) a module includes the electrochemical cell device of (6) above, and a container that houses the electrochemical cell device.

[0148] In one embodiment, (8) a module housing device includes the module of (7) above, an auxiliary device configured to operate the module, and an outer case housing the module and the auxiliary device.

[0149] 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.

[0150] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1, 1A to 1C Cell 2 Support substrate 3, 3B, 3C Element portion 4 Interconnector 5 Anode 6 Solid electrolyte layer 7 Intermediate layer 7A First portion 7B Second portion 7C Third portion 7a First particle 8 Air electrode 10 Cell stack device 11 Cell stack 12 Fixing member 13 Fixing material 14 Support member 15 Support body 16 Gas tank 17 End current collecting member 18 Connection member 71 First surface 72 Second surface 100 Module 110 Module accommodating device

Claims

1. An electrochemical cell comprising: a solid electrolyte layer containing Zr; a first electrode containing La and Sr; and an intermediate layer containing Ce and positioned between the solid electrolyte layer and the first electrode, wherein the intermediate layer contains first particles that are oxides of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Co, Fe, Mo, and Ni.

2. The electrochemical cell according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate layer has a first portion including a first surface facing the first electrode and a second portion including a second surface facing the solid electrolyte layer, and the first portion has a higher average concentration of the element group than the second portion.

3. An electrochemical cell according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the intermediate layer includes the first particles within a range where the distance from the first surface facing the first electrode is 0.1 x T0 or less, where T0 is the average thickness of the intermediate layer.

4. The electrochemical cell according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first particles are not contained within a range where the distance from the second surface facing the solid electrolyte layer is 0.025 x T0 or less, where T0 is the average thickness of the intermediate layer.

5. An electrochemical cell according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the average particle diameter of the first particles is 0.2 μm or more and 5 μm or less.

6. An electrochemical cell device having a cell stack comprising the electrochemical cell according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. A module comprising the electrochemical cell device according to claim 6 and a container that houses the electrochemical cell device.

8. A module housing device comprising: a module according to claim 7; an accessory configured to operate said module; and an outer case housing said module and said accessory.

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