A Fuel-Flexible Ceramic-Based Anode for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract

Results are presented on a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode material designed for use with C-containing fuels: a composite of an electronically conducting ceramic, an ionically conducting ceramic, (GDC), and a small fraction Ni. These ceramic-based anodes were tested in SOFCs with GDC bulk electrolytes. The anode performance was comparable to that for Ni-GDC anodes with hydrogen and methane fuels. The anodes also provided good performance with propane and butane and, unlike Ni-GDC, there was little or no coking. The 4 wt % Ni content in the anode was necessary to obtain good performance, indicating that a small amount of Ni provides a substantial electrocatalytic effect while not causing coking. Initial cell test results showed good cell stability and indicated that the anodes were not affected by cyclic oxidation and reduction. © 2002 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.