Co-Ru bimetallic nanoparticles/oxygen deficient perovskite oxides as a highly efficient anode catalyst layer for direct-methane solid oxide fuel cells

The ever-increasing production of natural gas has underscored the potential of methane-fueled solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) as feasible energy conversion devices. Herein, we present an internal reforming catalyst consisting of in-situ exsolved CoRu bimetallic nanoparticles, oxygen deficient layered-double perovskite PrBaMn1.6Co0.2Ru0.2O5+delta (PBMCRO5) and perovskite Pr0.5Ba0.5Mn0.8Co0.1Ru0.1O3-delta (PBMCRO3) parent. As a catalyst layer for SOFCs, the cell shows a high peak power of 522 mW cm(-2) in CH4 and can operate stably for over 150 h with a degradation rate of only 1.4 %. By combining neutron power diffraction (NPD) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, it unveils the effective conversion of CH4 to H-2 and CO is facilitated by the synergistic effect of CoRu nanoparticles and PBMCRO5 matrix. Additionally, the electronic coupling of CoRu bimetallic not only inhibits carbon deposition but also optimally balances the electroactivity and adsorption affinity between Ru and H atoms, thereby facilitating reversible hydrogen spillover.