Transmission Electron Microscopy Applied to Fuel Cell Materials Characterization

Abstract

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) have attained a recognized place within the potentially efficient devices to convert chemical energy into electricity. Their design and performance enhancement is intrinsically coupled to an exhaustive characterization of physical, structural and chemical properties of their components, even at the atomic level. Moreover, this analysis should include not only the characterization of single elements (electrodes, electrolyte, sealants, etc.), but also of the assembled cell before, during and after operation. This chapter summarizes the historical background and comments on real cases of the application of Transmission Electron Microscopy in SOFCs systems. Examples of single electrode phases and electrode/electrolyte interphases, prepared by traditional and by Focused Ion Beam techniques are discussed.