Stability and electrochemical performance of Ni/YSZ pattern anodes in H 2 /H 2 O atmosphere

Thorough understanding of H 2 electrochemical oxidation helps optimize SOFC anode design and improve its performance. However, controversies still exist regarding H 2 electrochemical oxidation. Due to their well‐defined 2‐D structure, Ni/YSZ pattern anodes are ideally suited for reaction kinetic studies. In this study, a systematic study was performed to determine conditions for the stabilization of Ni/YSZ pattern anode performance. Moreover, a comprehensive and reliable dataset of H 2 electrochemical oxidation was obtained under stable test conditions. We found that stabilization of Ni/YSZ pattern anode performance relies on temperature and Ni thickness. Polarization resistance ( R p ) depends on temperature, overpotential, H 2 partial pressure, and TPB length, and it increases with decreasing any of these parameters. R p also depends on H 2 O content. When the pH 2 O is between 3000 Pa (3 % of the total gases) and 30 000–40 000 Pa (30–40 % of the total gases), R p decreases with increasing H 2 O content. However, R p is less affected with further increasing H 2 O content. Charge transfer reactions coupled with H 2 O‐related processes contribute to the rate‐limiting steps for H 2 electro‐oxidation.