Microstructure characterization of SOFC electrolyte coating prepared by EB-PVD

YSZ electrolyte coating was prepared on a NiO-YSZ porous substrate by EB-PVD process with a high power. SEM analysis showed that crystal grains of as-deposited coating were in the range of 1 μm-10 μm and small pores with the magnitude of micron existed between them. SEM observation of the cross-section showed that the coating was dense and there was a good adhesion between the as-deposited coating and substrate. The result of EPMA exhibited that the distribution of Y, O was uniform but Zr had a gradient distribution along the cross-section of the coating during the time of initial evaporation. The result of XRD analysis demonstrated that the diffraction patterns of coatings showed the lines of cubic fluorite-type structure and a preferred orientation.