Co-fired anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell for internal reforming of hydrocarbon fuel

Hydrocarbon-based solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is being projected as one of the possible alternatives to conventional internal combustion engines. However, the conventional Ni-YSZ anode is prone to carburization in the presence of hydrocarbon fuels. In the present study, an optimized Ni-Cu-based anode composition (Ni-0.9-Cu-0.1-YSZ(0.95)-GDC(0.05)) has been evolved based on accelerated carburization studies and phase analysis by X-ray diffractometry and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The electrochemical parameters have been derived for the optimized anode composition, and its exchange current density is estimated to be 76.3 mA cm(-2) at 780 degrees C. The main advantage of the optimized anode is its suitability for co-firing with the electrolyte. Using the optimized anode composition, anode-supported SOFC single cells (ASCs) have been fabricated and their electrical and electrochemical performances have been evaluated and compared with conventional ASC. The anode-supported co-cast SOFC with the optimized anode composition exhibits a power density of 436 mW cm(-2) at 850 degrees C and 0.5 V with methane as fuel. Graphic abstract