STRUCTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS IN THE NiO-CONTAINING ANODE OF CERAMIC FUEL CELLS IN THE COURSE OF ITS REDUCTION AND OXIDATION

摘要

We study the role of structural transformations in the nickel phase under the action of reducing and oxidizing high-temperature (600°C) gaseous atmospheres in the formation of the levels of strength and electric conductivity of NiO-containing materials for the anodes-substrates of ceramic fuel cells. By using the cyclic redox treatment (redox cycling) of NiO oxide, which includes the stages of heating in a vacuum up to a fixed temperature (600°C), reduction of the heated material in a Ar-5 vol.% H_2 gaseous mixture, degassing, and oxidation in air at the same temperature, we managed to form a structure guaranteeing the improved physicomechanical characteristics of YSZ-Ni and ScCeSZ-Ni composites.