Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 impregnated with Ba(Ce0.9Y0.1)0.8Ni0.2O3–δ@CuO as SOFC anode with increased carbon-deposition resistant for direct hydrocarbon fuels

Solid oxide fuel cells are thought to be capable of a wide range of fuels, but the direct utilization of hydrocarbon fuels increases the risk of carbon deposition at the anode. In this research, a novel full cell structure supported by porous Gd0.1Ce0.9O1.95 (GDC) skeleton is proposed and anode material Ba(Ce0.9Y0.1)0.8Ni0.2O3–δ (BCYN) is proposed to be impregnated on the skeleton to form a multi-functional anode. In the operating reductional atmosphere, Ni is reduced from the BCYN and provides electrochemical catalyticity, and BCYN can absorb water on its surface to prevent carbon deposition. 5% Cu is also applied to the anode to increase electron conductivity by impregnation, and it doubles the peak power density. The composite Ba(Ce0.9Y0.1)0.8Ni0.2O3–δ@CuO anode is evaluated and found to have good carbon deposition resistance with 3% humidified C2H6 in constant current operation for 120 h, and withstand 3% humidified CH4 in OCV condition for nearly 160 h.