Electrochemical Analysis of Anode Supported PCFC with Pseudo Symmetrical Cell

Abstract

Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cell (PCFC) is expected to be the next-generation fuel cell for its higher energy conversion efficiency and lower operation temperature. BaZrO3 based oxide are potential materials as PCFC electrolyte because they have a high chemical stability under CO2 condition and high proton conduction. Recently, we have developed PCFC using BaZr0.8Yb0.2O3-δ (BZYb) as the electrolyte. The proton conductivity of the BZYb pellet was 1.1×10-2 S/cm at 600℃ and did not form the complex oxide with NiO. The power density of the developed cell (Ni-BaZr0.8Yb0.2O3-δ| BaZr0.8Yb0.2O3-δ| La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-δ) achieved 0.49 W/cm2 at 600℃.To improve the performance of anode supported PCFC, anode supported pseudo symmetrical cell:Ni-BaZr0.8Yb0.2O3-δ| BaZr0.8Yb0.2O3-δ| Niwas manufactured and analyzed by impedance spectroscopy under the various conditions and temperatures.The thickness dependence of the ohmic resistance was measured for three types of electrolyte (thickness: 8 μm, 16 μm and 25 μm) under 48%H2-49%N2-3%H2O gas condition at 300-700℃. The conductivity was calculated from the relation between electrolyte thickness and the ohmic resistance, which was 0.35×10-2 S/cm at 600℃. The degradation of proton conductivity occurs due to Ni dissolution. The performance of anode supported PCFC might be improved further if the Ni dissolution to electrolyte can be inhibited. Figure 1