Group 11 Metal Protective Layer for Interconnector Cr Diffusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In solid oxide electrochemical cells, chromium (Cr) diffusion into the protective layer increases electrical resistance, degrading cell performance due to the formation of Cr2O3, which is difficult to prevent with conventional protective layers.
Innovation Solution
A protective-layer-coated-interconnector with a Cr diffusion barrier layer, comprising a metal layer of Group 11 elements like Cu, Ag, or Au, and an oxide layer of elements such as Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, or Zn, is introduced to inhibit Cr diffusion and reduce electrical resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective layer is provided on the interconnector surface to inhibit Cr diffusion, then Cr diffusion is reduced, but the electrical resistance increases due to the protective layer material
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is divided into two distinct layers: a Cr diffusion barrier layer (first protective layer) and an electrical conductivity layer (second protective layer). This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in one function - the first layer focuses on preventing Cr diffusion while the second layer focuses on maintaining low electrical resistance, thereby resolving the contradiction between diffusion inhibition and electrical conductivity
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer uses composite material structure combining different materials with complementary properties. The first protective layer uses materials with high Cr diffusion barrier properties, while the second protective layer uses materials with high electrical conductivity. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve both Cr diffusion inhibition and low electrical resistance
2Reliability
If the protective layer thickness is increased to improve Cr diffusion barrier performance, then diffusion barrier performance improves, but electrical resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is segmented into two functional layers with distinct thickness optimizations. The first protective layer (Cr diffusion barrier) has a thickness optimized for diffusion inhibition (5-50 μm), while the second protective layer (electrical conductivity layer) has a thickness optimized for low resistance (1-20 μm). This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing each layer to have its thickness independently optimized for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the protective layer have different material compositions and thicknesses tailored to local functional requirements. The first protective layer uses materials and thickness specifically designed for Cr diffusion barrier function, while the second protective layer uses materials and thickness specifically designed for electrical conductivity, achieving local optimization for each function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents Cr diffusion, maintaining high diffusion barrier and protective performance while enhancing electrical conductivity, leading to improved durability and performance of the solid oxide electrochemical cell stack and hydrogen energy system.
Implementation Method 1
the protective layer contains a metal layer constituted by a Group 11 element... Cr diffusion barrier layer... to inhibit Cr diffusion
Implementation Method 2
an oxide layer constituted by an oxide of a metal other than a Group 11 element... oxide layer is disposed on the external side
Data Source
AI summary
[Problem] Provided are a protective-layer-coated-interconnector, a cell stack, and a hydrogen energy system. A component (particularly Cr) of the interconnector is prevented from diffusing even if the interconnector is exposed to high temperature for a long time. The interconnector has sufficient diffusion barrier performance and protective performance even with a protective layer thinner than conventionally, is inhibited from being degraded through use, and has excellent electrical conductivity.[Solution] A protective-layer-coated-interconnector including an interconnector material and a protective layer on the surface of the interconnector material, wherein the protective layer contains a metal layer constituted by a Group 11 element. A cell stack and a hydrogen energy system that each include this interconnector.