Alternative Ni-Alloy Cermet Anode Materials for SOFCs

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a promising electrochemical energy conversion device that can directly produce electricity from chemical fuels. On the other hand, in the Ni-zirconia cermet currently used for the SOFC anode, the electron conducting pathways through the Ni metal phase can be easily destroyed by redox processes, where Ni oxidation/reduction (redox) results in significant volume changes, leading to deterioration of the electrochemical performance. In this study, various anodes using Ni-based alloys as alternative materials for Ni are prepared. Their electrochemical performance and redox stability are evaluated. In particular, Ni-Co alloy cermet exhibits better durability against redox cycling.