Electrode coatings for high temperature hydrogen electrolysis

A discussion of fabrication techniques and performance testing of solid oxide components for use in hydrogen steam electrolysis is presented. Novel plasma spray techniques are utilized to deposit the thin ceramic oxide electrode, electrolyte, and interconnect layers on a planar intermetallic bipolar plate. Optimal porosity is achieved within the electrode microstructure through mixed feed techniques that are a combination of dry powder feed and liquid solution injection. The perovskite anode coatings formed from liquid precursor feedstock require post-deposition annealing in an oxygen-rich atmosphere to form the desired perovskite structures. Electrical conductivity measurements were measured for all electrodes and interconnect materials as a function of temperature to 1000 °C. Supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy Science and Technology, under the DOE Idaho Operations Contract No. DE-AC07-05ID14517