The electrochemical behavior of cobalt electrodeposits on 430 stainless steel as solid oxide fuel cell interconnect

In this paper, the electrochemical reactivity between La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3 (LSCF) and cobalt-coated stainless steel was investigated in air at 700 degrees C. The cobalt electrodeposition onto ferritic stainless steel has an important role in decreasing of chromium poisoning on the cathode side of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The polarization resistance of a symmetrical cell composed by LSCF//YSZ//LSCF at 700 degrees C was evaluated using 430 stainless steel as electrical interconnects. The polarization resistance for cobalt-coated interconnects was 0.92 Omega cm(2) and for uncoated interconnects was 5.1 Omega cm(2). The formation of Co3O4 layer seems to block the chromium migration. (C) 2013 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.