Stack main parts

SOFC/SOEC Interconnector

Highly heat-resistant and highly oxidation-resistant ferritic stainless steel developed for SOFC/SOEC

Crofer 22 APU/Crofer 22 H/ZMG232L/ZMG232G10 Features
  • High corrosion resistance in high temperature anode and cathode gases
  • Low Cr evaporation
  • Coefficient of thermal expansion equivalent to that of SOFC cells
  • Low oxidation increase and good oxide film adhesion at operating temperatures
  • Low contact resistance
  • Crofer 22 H has the same high electrical conductivity of an oxide film as Crofer 22 APU, but also has excellent creep properties at high temperatures.
  • ZMG232G10 has high electrical conductivity of oxide film equivalent to ZMG232L, but also has excellent creep properties at high temperatures.
Composition of Crofer 22 APU/Crofer 22 H/ZMG232L/ZMG232G10
C Cr Fe S Mn Si Ti Cu P Al La N W Nb Ni Zr
Crofer 22 APU MIN 20.0 Bal 0.30 0.03 0.04
MAX 0.03 24.0 0.020 0.80 0.50 0.20 0.50 0.050 0.50 0.20
Crofer 22 H MIN 20.0 Bal 0.10 0.02 0.04 1.0 0.20
MAX 0.030 24.0 0.006 0.80 0.60 0.20 0.50 0.050 0.10 0.20 0.04 3.0 1.00 0.50
ZMG232L Typical 0.02 22 Bal 0.5 0.1 0.1 0.07 0.25
ZMG232G10 Typical 240.02 24 Bal 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.07 2 0.25

Technical Documentation:
Other Materials:
We also accept orders for parts made of ferrite alloys for SOFC interconnectors, stainless steel such as SUS430, and heat-resistant alloys such as Inconel.　Please feel free to consult with us.

SOFC/SOEC Inter-Connector Coating

Features of Co-Ni Plating Coatings

  • Suppression of oxide film on metal surfaces for interconnectors results in a low increase in surface contact resistance.
  • It is very effective in suppressing Cr evaporation in the interconnector metal, preventing performance degradation due to Cr poisoning of SOFC/SOEC cells and enabling higher performance over a longer period of time.

The graph below shows the measured differences in the initial characteristics of SOFC interconnectors with and without CoNi plating treatment.
The graph below shows the single-cell output voltage over time when the same constant current is applied to a single-cell stack.　The coated single-cell stack shows better characteristics in terms of voltage variation over time and performance.
This CoNi plating can be applied to materials other than metal interconnectors that require maintaining high electrical conductivity, such as current collectors.　Please consult with us.

Graph of Effect of Cr Poisoning on SOFC ell Properties

Coating by thermal spraying of MCF powder on SOFC/SOEC inter-connectors:

Thermal spray coating of MCF powder on SOFC/SOEC interconnectors

Similar to Co-Ni plating, a coating process by spraying MCF powder is available as a method to maintain good electrical conductivity for a long period of time at SOFC operating temperatures and to suppress Cr evaporation from metal interconnectors.
MCF (MnxCoyFe3-x-yO4) powder from Höganäs is used for this coating process.

Magnex Co., Ltd. also accepts orders for coating treatment of MCF.
The above photograph is an SEM photograph of a thermal spray deposition using Höganäs MCF powder (Amperit 865®/particle size: 45-15 μm) under standard thermal spraying conditions.

For more information on MCF powder, please see SOFC/SOEC Powder & Paste.

SOFC/SOEC Ceramic Spring

Features of Ceramic Springs

Ceramic springs are used when constant pressure is applied to the stack.
It has the following characteristics and has the same pressurization performance at SOFC/SOEC operating temperatures as at room temperature.

  • Can be used under conditions similar to room temperature up to 1000°C (high heat resistance).
  • Can be used under various gaseous atmospheres such as air and hydrogen (high corrosion resistance).
  • High electrical insulation properties.
  • Minimize deformation during cyclic fatigue processes(Permanent deformation).
  • セラミックスプリング使用例
item unit MGS
020S 020L 025S 025L 030S 030L 050S 050L 060S
Maximum load （kgf） 2.0 2.0 2.5 2.5 3.0 3.0 5.0 5.0 6.0
（N） 19.6 19.6 24.5 24.5 29.4 29.4 49 49 58.8
displacement （mm） 4 8 2.5 3.1 3 4.3 3.8 5 4
spring constant （N/mm） 4.9 2.5 9.8 7.9 9.8 6.8 12.9 9.8 14.7
wire diameter（d） （mm） 1.65 1.65 1.65 1.65 1.8 1.8 2.2 2.2 2.5
free length（L） （mm） 14.3 26.5 20.7 25.4 24.0 33.3 27.4 34.7 30.1
Coil Outer Diameter （mm） 18.4 18.4 13.2 13.2 14.4 14.4 17.6 17.6 20.0
Maximum Deflection（F） （mm） 4.0 8.0 2.5 3.1 3.0 4.3 3.8 5.0 4.0
Minimum Height（L-F） （mm） 10.3 18.5 18.2 22.3 21.0 29.0 23.6 29.7 26.1
item unit MGS
060L 080S 080L 090S 090L 140S1 140L1 140S2 140L2
Maximum load （kgf） 6.0 8.0 8.0 9.0 9.0 14.0 14.0 14.0 14.0
（N） 58.8 78.4 78.4 88.2 88.2 137.2 137.2 137.2 167.2
displacement （mm） 6 4.7 7.3 4.5 6.9 5.6 8.2 5.6 8.2
spring constant （N/mm） 9.8 16.7 10.7 19.6 12.8 24.5 16.7 24.5 16.7
wire diameter（d） （mm） 2.5 2.8 2.8 3.0 3.0 3.5 3.5 4.1 4.1
free length（L） （mm） 43.4 33.4 49.7 32.9 48.4 39.8 56.2 26.5 34.4
Coil Outer Diameter （mm） 20.0 22.4 22.4 24.0 24.0 28.0 28.0 43.0 43.0
Maximum Deflection（F） （mm） 6.0 4.7 7.3 4.5 6.9 5.6 8.2 5.6 8.2
Minimum Height（L-F） （mm） 37.4 28.7 42.4 28.4 41.5 34.2 48.0 20.9 26.2

SOFC/SOEC Powder&Paste

SOFC Powder

We are the Japanese distributor for Höganäs and Kceracell, and offer high-quality powders for SOFC cell cathodes, anodes, and electrolytes.
We also offer several grades according to specific surface area. We can also supply powders for interconnector protective coatings and powders for plasma spraying.

SOFCパウダー
Höganäs Powder for Ampergy® SOFC
Name Composition BET (m2/g) Typical Properties and Applications
LSM20 La0.75Sr0.20MnO3 4.0～6.0
  • Screen Printing
  • For SOFC Cathode
LSM30 La0.65Sr0.30MnO3 1.5～3.5
  • Screen Printing
  • For SOFC Cathode
LSCF La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 7.5～10.0
  • Screen Printing
  • For SOFC Cathode
LSMC La0.8Sr0.2Co0.1Mn0.9O3 1.5～3.5
  • Screen Printing
  • Contact layer SOFC Cathode
LSC10 La0.9Sr0.1CoO3 4.0～6.0
  • Screen Printing
  • Contact layer SOFC Cathode
LSC40 La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 4.0～6.0
  • Screen Printing
  • Contact layer SOFC Cathode
LSC50 La0.5Sr0.5CoO3 4.0～6.0
  • Screen Printing
  • Contact layer SOFC Cathode
MCF Fe0.05Co0.95MnO4 2.0～4.0
  • Protective coating on Cr containing
    interconnectors
10GCO Gd0.1Ce0.9O2 6.0～9.0
  • Screen Printing
  • For SOFC Cathode and Anode
10GCO fine Grade Gd0.1Ce0.9O2 10.0～13.0
  • Screen Printing
  • For SOFC Cathode and Anode
20GCO Gd0.2Ce0.8O2 6.0～9.0
  • Screen Printing
  • For SOFC Cathode and Anode
20GCO fine Grade Gd0.2Ce0.8O2 10.0～13.0
  • Screen Printing
  • For SOFC Cathode and Anode
40GCO Gd0.4Ce0.6O2 10.0～13.0
  • Screen Printing
  • For SOFC Cathode and Anode
Kceracell SOFC Cathode Powder
Name Composition SSA m2/g
LSM-73-N (La0.7Sr0.3)0.95MnO3 10～15
LSM-73-F (La0.7Sr0.3)0.95MnO3 5～10
LSM-73-C (La0.7Sr0.3)0.95MnO3 1～5
LSM-82-N (La0.8Sr0.2)0.98MnO3 10～15
LSM-82-F (La0.8Sr0.2)0.98MnO3 5～10
LSM-82-C (La0.8Sr0.2)0.98MnO3 1～5
LSCF-6428-N (La0.6Sr0.4)0.97Co0.2Fe0.8O3 10～15
LSCF-6428-F (La0.6Sr0.4)0.97Co0.2Fe0.8O3 5～10
LSCF-6428-C (La0.6Sr0.4)0.97Co0.2Fe0.8O3 1～5
LSC-64 La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 5～10
LSF-82 La0.8Sr0.2FeO3 5～10
LNF-64 LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 5～10
BSCF-5582 Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3 5～10
SSC-55 Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3 5～10
Kceracell SOFC Electrolyte Powder
Name Composition SSA m2/g
8YSZ (Y2O3)0.08(ZrO2)0.92 10～15
6Yb4ScSZ (Yb2O3)0.06(Sc2O3)0.04(ZrO2)0.9 10～15
GDC-10-N Gd0.1Co0.9O1.95 10～15
GDC-10-F Gd0.1Co0.9O1.95 5～10
GDC-20-N Gd0.2Co0.8O1.9 10～15
GDC-20-F Gd0.2Co0.8O1.9 5～10
SDC-20-N Sm0.2Co0.8O1.9 10～15
SDC-20-F Sm0.2Co0.8O1.9 5～10
LSGM-9182 La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.85 3～6
LSGM-8282 La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.8 3～6

Sintered granule for air plasma spray coating

Name Composition PSD µm
APS-E All Electrolyte D50=20～40
Kceracell SOFC Anode Powder
Name Composition SSA m2/g
NiO-AFL NiO 8～10
NiO-AS-F NiO 5～7
NiO-AS-M NiO 3～5
NiO-AS-C NiO 1～３
NiO/YSZ-AFL NiO : 8YSZ=57 : 43 8～10
NiO/YSZ-AS NiO : 8YSZ=60 : 40 5～7

Sintered granule for air plasma spray coating

Name Composition PSD µm
APS-A All Anode D50=20～40
Kceracell SOFC Interconnect Powder
Name Composition SSA m2/g
MCF MnCo1.9Fe0.1O4 5～10
MC-11 Mn1.5Co1.5O4 5～10
LCC La0.7Ca0.3CrO3 5～10
LCCC La0.8Ca0.2Cr0.9Co0.1O3 5～10

Sintered granule for air plasma spray coating

Name Composition PSD µm
APS-IC All Interconnect D50=20～40

SOFC Paste

We can make a paste of the above powder. Please feel free to contact us.

SOFC/SOEC current collectors

We develop current collectors to maintain good electrical contact between SOFC/SOEC power generation cells and interconnectors.　We also provide coating treatment to improve oxidation resistance and shape processing.

SOFC集電材

Metal Mesh

A metal mesh is inserted between the SOFC interconnector and the SOFC cell electrode to ensure contact between each, as shown in the figure below.
We offer a wide variety of materials and wire diameters, as well as plating surface treatment and other processing.
Various materials are available, including Crofer 22 APU interconnector alloys, pure Ni, and stainless steel.
Please make use of it to improve SOFC performance. We will process the shape.

  • Material: Crofer 22 APU, SUS430, Ni, etc.
  • Specifications: Various wire diameters, number of meshes, etc.
  • Plating process: Co-Ni plated metal mesh as oxidation resistant protective coating, etc. (plating process of precious metals is also available)
Metal mesh product list (example)
Material Wire diameter (mm) Number of meshes/inch (horizontal) Number of meshes/inch (vertical)
Crofer 22 APU Φ0.10 70 70
Crofer 22 APU Φ0.20 50 50
Ni Φ0.1～0.2 50～80 50～80
SUS430 Φ0.1～0.18 50～60 50～60
SUS316L Φ0.1～0.15 50～70 50～70
  • Metal Mesh Products
  • Metal Mesh Products

Porous metal

Unlike ordinary metals, porous metals (foamed metals) have pores inside, have low bulk density, and are easily deformed under pressure.
Therefore, like metal meshes, they are inserted between SOFC/SOEC interconnectors and SOFC/SOEC cell electrodes to improve conductivity by increasing the degree of contact and to solve contact resistance problems.
As materials, pure Ni, pure silver, and SUS430 porous metal are prepared as contact materials for SOFC/SOEC interconnectors.

Porous Metal Dimensions by Material
Material properties SUS430 Ni-1 Ag Ni-2
Thickness
(mm)		 MAX 10 15 2（Measured value） 14 ＊4
MIN 0.8 ＊1 ＊2 1.6 ＊1 ＊2 0.8 ＊1 ＊3 0.6 ＊4
Dimensions
(mm)		 MAX 250×200 500×500 250×150 400×500
MIN 10×10 10×10 10×10 10×10

＊1…For meshes with large pore size (1.00mm, 1.27mm), the minimum thickness is 5mm and up.
＊2…Thickness direction can be adjusted down to a minimum of 0.3 mm by press molding.
＊3…Thickness direction can be adjusted by 0.5mm by press molding.
＊4…1.4mm thick products are rolled by press.　Thicknesses are 0.6/0.8/1.0/1.2/1.4mm.

Ni Porous Metal SEM Photographs
Ni Porous Metal SEM Photographs

SOFC Seal Material

Sealing material with excellent electrical insulation properties

For SOFC, it is necessary to use the seal material for the purpose of protecting from mixing of the fuel and the air between SOFC inter connector and SOFC MEA, and further more, for the purpose of electric insulation. We are providing under mentioned two kinds of materials.

シール材

Mica（Seals and insulators）

Mica is characterized by no swelling due to high-temperature heating and very little strength loss after heating.
It also has excellent water resistance and exhibits extremely high electrical insulation under high humidity.
Semi-hardened mica is not cured at room temperature, but is deformed by pressure and cured at 200°C to 250°C in 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Semi-hardened mica is available in 0.15t, 0.3t, 0.5t, and 1.0t thicknesses.
We will process to your desired size and shape.

Mica（Seals and insulators）

SOFC Insulation Technology

Ceramic felt（insulator）

This ceramic fiber is made by electrically fusing high-purity alumina and silica raw materials into fiber.
It has some elasticity, is gas permeable, and can be used as a high insulation material.
Thicknesses of 0.25/0.5/1/1.5/2/3mm are available.
We will process to your desired size and shape.

Ceramic felt（insulator）
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