A methane-fueled SOFC based on a thin BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3-δ electrolyte film and a LaNi0.6Co0.4O3 anode functional layer

A methane-fueled solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) operating at 500-650 degrees C was fabricated using a thin BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3-delta (BZCYYb) electrolyte film and a LaNi0.6Co0.4O3 anode functional layer. Thin BZCYYb electrolyte films (thickness = 3 mu m) and NiO-BZCYYb anode supports were prepared by electron beam vapor deposition. A LaNi0.6Co0.4O3 catalyst layer was coated onto the anode support. The BZCYYb electrolyte film was characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Current-voltage (I-V) curves and impedance spectra were measured to characterize the electrochemical performance of the cell. The NiO-BZCYYb anode exhibited a high coking resistance, and the cell was stable for 200 h when operated under methane at 550 degrees C. The presence of the LaNi0.6Co0.4O3 functional catalyst significantly enhanced the cell performance. The maximum power densities of the prepared cells were 0.98, 0.65, 0.51 and 0.40 W cm(-2) at 650, 600, 550 and 500 degrees C, respectively, under methane fuel.