Evaluation of a new Cr-free alloy as interconnect material for hydrogen production by high temperature water vapour electrolysis: Study in cathode atmosphere

M. R. Ardigo (1) , I. Popa (1) , Sebastien Chevalier (1) , C. Desgranges (2) , R. Bousquet

1 ICB - Laboratoire Interdisciplinaire Carnot de Bourgogne
2 SCP - Service de Chimie Physique

For economic and ecological reasons, hydrogen is considered as a major energetic vector for the future. Hydrogen production via high temperature water vapour electrolysis (HTE) is a promising technology. A major technical difficulty related to high temperature water vapour electrolysis is the development of interconnects working efficiently for a long period. Working temperature of 800 degrees C enables the use of metallic materials as interconnects. High temperature corrosion behaviour and electrical conductivity of a new Cr-free Fe-Ni-Co alloy were tested in cathode atmosphere (H-2/H2O) at 800 degrees C. The alloy exhibits a poor oxidation resistance but an excellent ASR parameter, as a result of the formation of a highly-conductive Cr-free surface spinel layer. Moreover, the role of water vapour and hydrogen was discussed and a diffusion mechanism in cathode atmosphere could be suggested.

Mots clés: OXIDE FUEL-CELLS; ELECTRICAL-CONDUCTIVITY; METALLIC INTERCONNECT; OXIDATION-KINETICS; THERMAL-EXPANSION; RESISTANCE; CHROMIUM; SOFCS; DEPOSITION; DIFFUSION

Domaines: Chimie

M. R. Ardigo, I. Popa, Sebastien Chevalier, C. Desgranges, R. Bousquet. Evaluation of a new Cr-free alloy as interconnect material for hydrogen production by high temperature water vapour electrolysis: Study in cathode atmosphere. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, 2012, 37, pp.8177--8184. ⟨10.1016/j.ijhydene.2012.02.069⟩. ⟨hal-00760345⟩