Combined Cu-CeO₂/YSZ and Ni/YSZ dual layer anode structures for direct methane solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

Summary In this study, a conventional Ni/yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) anode and a new Cu‐CeO2‐YSZ anode structure were assembled in an attempt to combine the advantages of both structures for use in direct methane solid oxide fuel cells. For this purpose, only a limited region (≤20 μm) of NiO/YSZ was deposited at the boundary of the electrolyte to benefit from the superior catalytic activity of Ni in the cells, while the rest of the cell benefited from the Cu‐CeO2‐YSZ anode structure, which does not cause cracking reactions. First, the effects of different pore formers on the anode skeleton, as well as the interactions of the Ni‐Cu species in the anode skeleton, are discussed. Then, the NiO/YSZ‐interlayer‐containing button cells with different thicknesses (≤20) and different ratios of NiO (40 wt%, 50 wt%, and 60 wt%) were studied. After the examination of the cells, 2 model cells with outstanding performance and 2 additional internal reference cells, conventional Ni/YSZ and Cu‐CeO2‐YSZ, were scaled up, and performance analysis and long‐term stability studies were carried out. As a result, for solid oxide fuel cells with increased carbonization resistance (around 6% performance loss due to carbonization after 100‐hour stability testing) and 86.1% of the initial performance of the conventional Ni/YSZ anode structure, a 15‐μm‐thick 40 wt% NiO/60 wt% YSZ interlayer with a dual layer anode structure is proposed.

Effect of electrolyte thickness manipulation on enhancing carbon deposition resistance of methane‐fueled solid oxide fuel cell

“…The presence of D, G, and G' band only occurred after the performance test but no significance difference was observed in the intensity of the peaks when compared between 3 and 12 hours running time. This deposition was in agreement by other study utilizing Ni‐based anode with CH 4 based fuel 49 . The mechanism proposed by Dhir and Kendall 50 on this carbon deposition event which postulates the changes in nickel structure when operating with different hydrogen and CH 4 fuel.…”

“…This deposition was in agreement by other study utilizing Ni-based anode with CH 4 based fuel. 49 The mechanism proposed by Dhir and Kendall 50 on this carbon deposition event which postulates the changes in nickel structure when operating with different hydrogen and CH 4 fuel.…”

Sol‐gel based copper metallic layer as external anode for microtubular solid oxide fuel cell

“…Other Cu‐GDC or Cu‐cerium oxide SOFC running on H 2 gave 0.026, 0.2, 0.55 and 0.225 W cm −2 each running on H 2 fuel 7–10 . Usage of Cu in ceria‐based anode SOFC also showed promising results when used with CH 4 fuel, giving 0.15, 0.11, 0.16 and 0.26 W cm −2 each 6,9,11,12 …”

“…[7][8][9][10] Usage of Cu in ceria-based anode SOFC also showed promising results when used with CH 4 fuel, giving 0.15, 0.11, 0.16 and 0.26 W cm À2 each. 6,9,11,12 Cu did not contribute to the fuel oxidation reaction but was shown to increase the performance of the SOFC anode by increasing the conductivity of the anode layer. The addition of Cu was shown to increase the conductivity of the anode.…”