Ni-Fe bimetallic anode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells using LaGaO3 based oxide electrolyte

Effects of various additives to Ni anode on SOFC using La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 based oxide were investigated in this study. Among the examined additives, it was found that the addition of small amount of Fe is highly effective for increasing the anodic activity. When 5 wt% Fe was added to Ni anode, the anodic overpotential was as small as 34 mV at 873 K, 0.1A/cm(2), which is almost half of pure Ni anode. Since the estimated activation energy for anodic reaction decreased, addition of Fe to Ni seems to be effective for increasing the activity of Ni for anodic reaction. XRD measurement after power generating property suggests that added Fe was formed alloy with Ni. SEM observation shows the high dispersion of Ni metal was sustained by addition of small amount of Fe. Consequently, this study reveals that Ni-Fe bimetal is highly active for anodic reaction of SOFCs at decreased temperature.