Solid Oxide Cell Interface Layer for Peel-Resistant Metal Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fuel cell stack devices face challenges in improving cell performance, particularly in terms of interface strength and durability between the fuel electrode and the support body.

Innovation Solution

The electrochemical cell design incorporates a metal support body with chromium, an oxide layer with a metal component and lower porosity than the fuel electrode, and an adhesive layer with gas permeability, enhancing bonding and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a metal support body with chromium is used to support the element portion, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but the interface strength and durability between the fuel electrode and support body deteriorate due to peeling issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidinterface strength
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An oxide layer containing a metal component is introduced as an intermediary between the fuel electrode (first electrode) and the chromium-containing metal support body. This oxide layer acts as a bonding interface that prevents direct contact between the electrode and chromium, thereby preventing peeling while maintaining structural strength. The oxide layer serves as a mediator that resolves the interface strength issue without compromising the structural support function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs a composite structure consisting of multiple layers with different properties: the fuel electrode layer, the oxide layer with metal component, and the chromium-containing metal support body. This composite material approach allows each layer to perform its specific function - the electrode for electrochemical reactions, the oxide layer for bonding and preventing peeling, and the metal support for structural strength - thereby resolving the contradiction between structural strength and interface durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If the oxide layer has lower porosity than the fuel electrode, then the interface strength and bonding are improved, but the gas permeability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterface strengthVSAvoidgas permeability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The oxide layer is designed with locally optimized properties: it has lower porosity than the fuel electrode to ensure strong bonding and prevent peeling at the interface, while still maintaining sufficient gas permeability to allow fuel gas supply. The metal component in the oxide layer is strategically positioned to provide both bonding strength and controlled gas transport, resolving the contradiction between interface strength and gas permeability through localized property optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

This configuration improves the interface strength and durability of the electrochemical cell, leading to enhanced cell performance and reduced likelihood of peeling, thereby improving the overall efficiency of the fuel cell stack device.

Implementation Method 1

The oxide layer has a porosity lower than that of the first electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPorosity: Porosity

Implementation Method 2

an adhesive layer with gas permeability, enhancing bonding and durability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeability: Permeation

Data Source

PatentEP4525107A1Electrochemical cell, electrochemical cell device, module, and module accommodating device
Publication Date: 2025.03.19 KYOCERA CORP
  • EP4525107A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4525107A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4525107A1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

An electrochemical cell includes an element portion, a support body made of metal, and an oxide layer. The element portion includes a solid electrolyte layer, and a first electrode and a second electrode with the solid electrolyte layer therebetween. The support body contains chromium and supports the element portion. The oxide layer is located between the first electrode and the support body and contains a metal component. The oxide layer has a porosity lower than that of the first electrode.