Measurement techniques in solid oxide fuel cells: infrared thermal imaging

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are high temperature electrochemical devices, which convert the energy of a chemical reaction directly into electricity. The long-term performance of fuel cells is strictly related to both the structural and electrical properties of anode materials. In order to achieve high mixed electronic-ionic conductivity and high activity of electrochemical reactions and hydrocarbon fuel reforming, it is necessary to select an appropriate chemical composition and a suitable method of preparation. To verify that the synthesized materials meet the requirements set down for them, it is necessary to use simple research methods to analyze them. The article presents a brief description of commonly used research methods (dilatometry, impedance spectroscopy, current-voltage characteristic) and the new prospective method such as infrared thermal imaging.