Manganese-modified yttria-stabilized zirconia (Mn-YSZ) has been used to suppress interfacial degradation and anode delamination during short term (∼200 h) electrochemical testing of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOEC). Two fabrication methods have been used for YSZ surface modification: solid state diffusion of manganese into YSZ substrate and sol-gel coating of a Mn-YSZ layer on YSZ substrate. Both the solid state diffusion and sol-gel coating methods stabilized the electrical performance; however, anode delamination was mitigated only by the sol-gel method. Post-test analysis indicates reduction in the formation of lanthanum zirconate on the Mn-modified electrolyte surface. It is proposed that the presence of the porous sol-gel coating prevents high pressure oxygen build up and results in the mitigation of the anode delamination. Copyright © 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
