Novel anode materials and triode operation: Two approaches for improving the performance of SOFCs supplied with H2S containing-methane

Solid oxide fuel cells have the flexibility, due to their high operating temperature, to use natural gas directly as the fuel in the anodic compartment. A typical problem in this process is the significant degradation in cell voltage and in the catalytic direct internal reforming activity due to H2S poisoning, which is present in natural gas [1]. The aim of this study is to enhance the sulphur tolerance of SOFCs operated under 2%CH4-5%H2O in presence of 1-10 ppm H2S at 800-900oC. The first aim of this study is the development of novel modified Ni/GDC anodes with improved sulphur tolerance during catalytic CH4 reforming. The second approach entails the use of triode operation in order to enhance the SOFC performance.