Development of anodes for direct electrocatalytic oxidation of methane in solid oxide fuel cells

Gold-doped nickel/zirconia and nickel/ceria cermet anodes incorporating different levels of gold have been prepared and studied as potential anodes for the direct electrocatalytic oxidation of methane in solid oxide fuel cells. The methane conversion activity and selectivity towards synthesis gas products of these anodes have been determined over a range of SOFC operating temperatures and methane/oxidant ratios, and compared with the corresponding undoped nickel cermet. The amount of carbon deposition has been determined using post-reaction temperature programmed oxidation. The influence of gold loading on the methane conversion activity, product selectivity and amount of carbon deposition has been determined. The addition of small amounts of gold to nickel cermets results in a dramatically increased tolerance to carbon deposition and a reduction in the activity of the anode and the selectivity towards partial oxidation compared to the corresponding undoped nickel cermet.