A study on fuel electrode materials for solid oxide fuel cells

Fuel electrode materials for solid oxide fuel cell were investigated from their activities for the electrode reaction and for steam reforming of methane. Mixing of metal oxide with Ni significantly modified the activity for the anodic reaction. Ni-CeOx was effective in promoting anodic reaction, and possessed high activity for steam reforming reaction. Gas phase analysis during power generation of SOFC indicated that steam reforming reaction easily proceeded to supply hydrogen for the electrode reaction for the Ni-based cermets. Extremely low and high steam content resulted in deterioration of the electrode performance. Mixing of large YSZ powder with Ni resulted in fast sintering of Ni, but fine YSZ or CeOx powder with Ni was effective in suppressing sintering of Ni in the cermet.