A Process to Synthesize (Mn,Co)[sub 3]O[sub 4] Spinel Coatings for Protecting SOFC Interconnect Alloys

A novel process to synthesize the spinel coating for protecting ferritic interconnect alloys used in solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stacks has been developed, which is based on thermal conversion of an electrolytically codeposited composite layer. Simultaneous electrolytic deposition of Co and onto a Crofer 22 APU substrate resulted in a composite coating layer consisting of a Co matrix embedded with particles. Thermal conversion of the as-deposited layer in air at led to the formation of a dense and adherent spinel coating on the substrate. The spinel coating was effective in blocking Cr migration and improving the electrical performance of the interconnect alloy.