DOE OSTI · 3020287
The structure, composition, and performance impact of a YSZ-GDC interdiffusion layer in solid oxide electrolysis cells
Abstract
This study provides a combined experimental and computational investigation into the structure and impact of the cation interdiffusion layer that appears at the gadolinium doped ceria (GDC)/yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) interface in solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs). Scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) illustrates that a ∼0.4 μm interdiffusion layer (IDL) with an intermixed cation distribution and fine grain size forms upon sintering. STEM identifies that the interdiffusion layer exists in the cubic fluorite structure despite changes in cation composition. The interdiffusion layer microstructure formed during sintering does not change during SOEC testing at either 1.3V or heightened voltage pulse testing. Modeling predicts that ionic conductivity may decrease in the interdiffusion layer due to Coulombic trapping between mobile oxygen vacancies and excess Gd 3+ acceptor dopants. Yet, the density and continuous nature of the layer should benefit cell stability by substantially reducing the formation of SrZrO 3 , which is corroborated by STEM and Synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD). We conclude that the interdiffusion layer acts as a beneficial barrier to Sr diffusion, when operating in a regime where electrolyte void formation is not observed.
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Slomski, Heather S. [Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO (United States); National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, CO (United States)] (ORCID:0000000152553481), Rowberg, Andrew J. E. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)], Van Winkle, Madeline [National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, CO (United States)], Nagle-Cocco, Liam A. V. [SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), Menlo Park, CA (United States)] (ORCID:0000000192651588), Strange, Nicholas A. [SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), Menlo Park, CA (United States)], Kane, Nicholas John [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)] (ORCID:0000000283956088), Hartvigsen, Jeremy Lee [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)] (ORCID:0000000293205552), Casteel, Micah Joel [Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Idaho Falls, ID (United States)] (ORCID:0009000460150032), Ginley, David S. [National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, CO (United States)] (ORCID:0000000155403294), Wood, Brandon C. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)], Kweon, Kyoung E. [Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)], Gorman, Brian P. [Colorado School of Mines, Golden, CO (United States)] (ORCID:000000021837564X), Shulda, Sarah M. [National Laboratory of the Rockies (NLR), Golden, CO (United States)] (ORCID:0000000189461249). 2026-01-24. The structure, composition, and performance impact of a YSZ-GDC interdiffusion layer in solid oxide electrolysis cells. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpowsour.2026.239398
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