Application of BaTiO3 as anode materials for H2S-containing CH4 fueled solid oxide fuel cells

Undoped BaTiO3 perovskite oxide is more effective than SrTiO3 and La2Ti2O7 oxide as anode catalyst in SOFC fueled with H2S-containing methane. Electrochemical performance, impedance spectroscopy and other characterizations show that pure BaTiO3 is a good anode catalyst for conversion of methane in SOFC, especially in H2S-containing atmospheres. Compared with SrTiO3 and La2Ti2O7 samples, the BaTiO3-based fuel cell has higher resistance to carbon deposition, better electrochemical performance and much higher stability during long term operation. A maximum power density of 135 mW cm(-2) was achieved at 900 degrees C with 0.5% H2S-CH4 in a fuel cell having a 300 mu m thick YSZ electrolyte. High catalytic activity for methane conversion, mixed electronic and ionic conductivity, and the surface basicity of BaTiO3 unexpectedly provides promising performance as anodes in SOFC. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.