Image processing was employed in combination with electron microscopy to quantitatively estimate the spatial microstructure in a multi-phase mixture used in energy-based applications. The original images were obtained using scanning electron microscopy in complementary modes, i.e. secondary electron and back-scattered electron modes. Based on the digitized and optimized images, the microstructural characterization incorporates quantitative information for each constituent, i.e. the fraction, size distribution, and contiguity. The refined image analysis procedure was applied to a mixture composed of an ionic conductor and an electronic conductor, Gd2O3-Doped CeO2 and NiO. The implications of the image processing are discussed with regard to sophisticated synthesis and processing of renewable energy materials.

Keywords: Image analysis, Microstructure, GDC/NiO, Renewable energy materials