High-Performance Anode Material Sr2FeMo0.65Ni0.35O6-δ with In Situ Exsolved Nanoparticle Catalyst

A metallic nanoparticle-decorated ceramic anode was prepared by in situ reduction of the perovskite Sr2FeMo0.65Ni0.35O6-delta (SFMNi) in H-2 at 850 degrees C. The reduction converts the pure perovksite phase into mixed phases containing the Ruddlesden- Popper structure Sr3FeMoO7-delta, perovskite Sr(FeMo)O3-delta, and the FeNi3 bimetallic alloy nanoparticle catalyst. The electrochemical performance of the SFMNi ceramic anode is greatly enhanced by the in situ exsolved Fe-Ni alloy nanoparticle catalysts that are homogeneously distributed on the ceramic backbone surface. The maximum power densities of the La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-delta electrolyte supported a single cell with SFMNi as the anode reached 590, 793, and 960 mW cm(-2) in wet H-2 at 750, 800, and 850 degrees C, respectively. The Sr2FeMo0.65Ni0.35O6-delta anode also shows excellent structural stability and good coking resistance in wet CH4. The prepared SFMNi material is a promising high-performance anode for solid oxide fuel cells.