LaCrO3–VOx–YSZ anode material for solid oxide fuel cells operating on H2S-containing syngas

The perovskite type lanthanum chromite LaCrO3 has been synthesized by nitrate-citrate combustion method. Phase transformations have been studied by using simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The bulk structure of LaCrO3 as well as the catalyst have been examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The cell was made using LaCrO3–VOx–YSZ anode. Impedance measurements showed that the polarization resistance was much smaller when the fuel changed from pure H2 to 5000 ppm H2S balance H2. The performance for 5000 ppm H2S balance H2 was much better than with pure H2 as a result of a lower polarization resistance. At 900 °C the maximum power density was 463 mW cm−2 when using H2S-containing H2 as fuel. The presence of H2S in the syngas significantly decreased the polarization resistance and improved the fuel cell performance. At 900 °C the achieved power density was 214 mW cm−2 for H2S (5000 ppm)-containing syngas (40% CO + 60% H2).