Electrophoretically Deposited Copper Manganese Spinel Coatings for Prevention of Chromium Poisoning in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Cr2O3 scales formed on ferriticFerritic steel interconnects in intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks have the problem of Cr-poisoning that can deteriorate cell performance. Applying a protective coating on the surface of the interconnects is an effective strategy to solve this problem. (CuMn)3O4 spinel is a potential candidate-coating material. In this study, the performance of the CuMn1.8O4 at 750 °C, the conductivities of the reaction layer formed between the coating and Cr2O3 scale, and the reduction of Cr ion diffusivity in Ni-doped (CuMn)3O4 were explored. CuMn1.8O4 coatings were found to be good Cr diffusion barriers at 750 °C, with the coatings also acting as an excellent Cr getter. The conductivities of the reaction layer were found to be at least two orders of magnitude higher than that of Cr2O3, indicating the formation of the reaction layer is favorable compared to the thickening of the Cr2O3 scale at the coating/alloy interface. Ni-doped of (CuMn)3O4 decreased the diffusivity of Cr, making (CuMnNi)3O4 a promising candidate-coating material.