Ni modified ceramic anodes for direct-methane solid oxide fuel cells

Sr2Fe15Mo0.5O6 (SFMO) shows good chemical compatibility with NiO under 1000 degrees C. By dispersing a small amount of Ni (similar to 2 wt%) into the SFMO anode, the performance of the fuel cells with La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.83Mg0.17O3 (LSGM) electrolyte and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF) cathode is dramatically improved. With ambient air as the oxidant, the cell peak power density reaches 1.134 W cm(-2) in wet H-2 (3 vol% H2O) and 0.663 W cm(-2) in wet CH4 (3 vol% H2O) at 800 degrees C. Stable cell performance is achieved when operating the cell with CH4 as fuel at 0.7 V. indicating no significant carbon formation on the Ni-modified SFMO anode. Considering the simple anode fabrication procedure and the relatively low cost of the anode materials, Ni modified SFMO ceramic anode shows great promise for direct-methane solid oxide fuel cells. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.