Metallic interconnectors for solid oxide fuel cells – a review

• Published in: Materials at high temperatures Vol. 20; no. 2; pp. 115 - 127
• Main Authors: Quadakkers, W J, Piron-Abellan, J, Shemet, V, Singheiser, L
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Leeds Taylor & Francis Ltd 15.05.2003
• Subjects: Alloys; Ceramics; Chromium base alloys; Electrical resistivity; Oxides; Resistivity; Solid oxide fuel cells; Structural steels
• ISSN: 0960-3409; 1878-6413
• DOI: 10.3184/096034003782749071

For planar solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) designs, ceramic as well as metallic materials are being considered as construction materials for the interconnectors. Compared to the ceramics, mostly compounds on the basis of La-chromite, metallic materials have the advantage of easier fabricability, lower costs as well as higher heat and electrical conductivity. Based on the requirements in respect to oxidation resistance, low thermal expansion coefficient and electrical conductivity of surface oxide scales, Cr-based alloys and high-Cr ferritic steels seem to be the most promising metallic interconnector materials. Whereas Cr-based alloys have recently especially been developed for SOFC application, a large number of ferritic steels are commercially available in a wide range of compositions. However, it seems that the specific combination of properties required for a SOFC interconnector will necessitate the development of a new, specifically designed steel or the modification of an existing commercial steel composition.