Enhanced redox and reoxidation tolerances of Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 electrolyte for Ni cermet anodes in single-chamber SOFCs

• Published in: Journal of solid state electrochemistry 2022-03, Vol.26 (3), p.865-873
• Main Authors: Ao, Guanghong, Yan, Yingming, Zhao, Peizhi, Pan, Zhi, Lv, Zhe, Wang, Zhihong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical Chemistry; Anodes; Catalytic activity; Cerium gadolinium oxides; Cerium oxides; Cermets; Chambers; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Condensed Matter Physics; Electrochemistry; Electrolytes; Electrolytic cells; Energy Storage; Gadolinium; Methane; Operating temperature; Original Paper; Oxidation; Physical Chemistry; Reforming; Scandium; Solid oxide fuel cells; Tolerances
• ISSN: 1432-8488; 1433-0768
• DOI: 10.1007/s10008-022-05130-0

The existing Ni cermet anodes in single-chamber solid oxide fuel cells (SC-SOFCs) usually perform poorly in hydrocarbon-air mixture owing to the reduction–oxidation cycles (redox) and latent reoxidation at operating temperatures. In this study, the redox and reoxidation tolerances of Ni cermet anode, composed of Ni metal and gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) electrolyte, are investigated and evaluated in SC-SOFC conditions. The catalytic performances, resistance properties, and microstructure evolution of the Ni cermet are measured under different CH 4 -O 2 ratios ( M ) in the temperature range of 700–800 °C. Unlike the general perspective that the electrolyte materials are inactive for the catalytic reaction of fuel, GDC shows a superior catalytic activity for CH 4 reforming, especially the complete oxidation. It significantly reduces the presence of O 2 on Ni metal, resulting in an improvement of redox and reoxidation tolerance. The obtained results unveil a fascinating hidden side that the electrolyte materials of SC-SOFCs play an important role in the catalytic reaction of fuel and Ni-GDC is a promising anode for SC-SOFCs. Graphical abstract