Recent Advances on the Development of NiCu Alloy Catalysts for IT-SOFCs

• Main Authors: La Rosa, Daniela, Lo Faro, Massimiliano, Monforte, Giuseppe, Antonucci, Vincenzo, Aricò, Antonino Salvatore, Sin, Agusti
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1938-5862; 1938-6737
• DOI: 10.1149/1.2729278

A SOFC anodic cermet composed by Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 (CGO) and Ni0.49Cu0.51 alloy has been investigated and optimized for the CH4 electro-oxidation in IT-SOFCs. An appropriate synthesis has been developed to obtain optimal electrochemical properties. The anode is characterized by high surface area and suitable catalytic activity towards oxidation of dry methane. Significant improvements on the performances have been obtained by tailoring bulk and surface composition of the alloy. Polarizations curves have been recorded in the temperature range from 700{degree sign}C to 800{degree sign}C. Impedance spectroscopy measurements have been carried out at different cell potentials. The life- time behaviour in dry methane, and the electrochemical stability have been investigated at 750 {degree sign}C. A variation of the electrochemical properties during continuous operation has been observed and interpreted in terms of anode morphology modifications. No significant carbon deposition has been observed after prolonged operation at 750{degree sign}C in the presence of dry methane and CGO electrolyte.