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The drive for sustainable energy solutions has spurred interest in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). This study investigates the impact of sintering temperature on SOFC anode microstructures using advanced 3D focused ion beam–scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM). The anode’s ceramic–metal composition significantly influences electrochemical performance, making optimization crucial. Comparing cells sintered at different temperatures reveals that a lower sintering temperature enhances yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and nickel distribution, volume, and particle size, along with the triple-phase boundary (TPB) interface. Three-dimensional reconstructions illustrate that the cell sintered at a lower temperature exhibits a well-defined pore network, leading to increased TPB density. Hydrogen flow simulations demonstrate comparable permeability for both cells. Electrochemical characterization confirms the superior performance of the cell sintered at the lower temperature, displaying higher power density and lower total cell resistance. This FIB-SEM methodology provides precise insights into the microstructure–performance relationship, eliminating the need for hypothetical structures and enhancing our understanding of SOFC behavior under different fabrication conditions.

Plants require sunlight, carbon dioxide, water and mineral ions for their growth and development. Roots in vascular plants sequester water and ions from soil and transport them to the aboveground parts of the plant. Due to heterogeneous nature of soil, roots have evolved several regulatory barriers from molecular to organismic level that selectively allows certain ions to enter the vascular tissues for transport according to the physiological and metabolic demands of plant cell. Current literature profusely elaborates about apoplastic barriers, but the possibility of the existence of a symplastic regulation through phosphorous-enriched cells has not been mentioned. Recent investigations on native ion distribution in seedling roots of several species (Pinus pinea, Zea mays and Arachis hypogaea) identified an ionomic structure termed as “P-ring”. The P-ring is composed of a group of phosphorous-rich cells arranged in radial symmetry encircling the vascular tissues. Physiological investigations indicate that the structure is relatively inert to external temperature and ion fluctuations while anatomical studies indicates that they are less likely to be apoplastic in nature. Furthermore, their localization surrounding vascular tissues and in evolutionarily distinct plant lineages might indicate their conserved nature and involvement in ion regulation. Undoubtedly, this is an interesting and important observation that has significant merit for further investigations by the plant science community.