Parametric study on interfacial crack propagation in solid oxide fuel cell based on electrode material

Interfacial delamination is one of the typical failure modes of solid oxide fuel cell, which is caused by interfacial crack propagation. In order to improve the stability, durability and mechanical integrity of the cell, the influence of electrode material properties on the interfacial crack propagation is studied. Based on a large number of experimental data, the material model of anode and cathode adopts approximate linear model and the different material optimization schemes are set by changing the material parameters, i.e., the ratio of elastic modulus and thermal expansion coefficient between electrode and electrolyte. The crack energy release rate and crack propagation length are taken as important objective functions to compare the extent of interfacial crack propagation under different material optimization schemes. The internal relationship between electrode material parameters and interfacial crack propagation behavior is analyzed, and the optimization scheme of electrode material is obtained to reduce the possibility of delamination in the cell. This research provides guidance for the improvement of stability and integrity of solid oxide fuel cell. • Influence of electrode material parameter on interfacial strength is obtained. • Effect of material parameter on interfacial cracks at different positions is analyzed. • Material optimization scheme to restrain interfacial crack propagation is obtained. • Interface strength can be enhanced by adjusting the thermal expansion coefficient.