Application of BaTiO3 as anode materials for H2S-containing CH4 fueled solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract Undoped BaTiO 3 perovskite oxide is more effective than SrTiO 3 and La 2 Ti 2 O 7 oxide as anode catalyst in SOFC fueled with H 2 S-containing methane. Electrochemical performance, impedance spectroscopy and other characterizations show that pure BaTiO 3 is a good anode catalyst for conversion of methane in SOFC, especially in H 2 S-containing atmospheres. Compared with SrTiO 3 and La 2 Ti 2 O 7 samples, the BaTiO 3 −based fuel cell has higher resistance to carbon deposition, better electrochemical performance and much higher stability during long term operation. A maximum power density of 135 mW cm −2 was achieved at 900 °C with 0.5% H 2 S–CH 4 in a fuel cell having a 300 μm thick YSZ electrolyte. High catalytic activity for methane conversion, mixed electronic and ionic conductivity, and the surface basicity of BaTiO 3 unexpectedly provides promising performance as anodes in SOFC.