Enhancing electrochemical performance and sulfur tolerance of Ni-based anodes coated by SrTi0.5Mo0.2Ni0.3-xO3−δ perovskite with nano-nickel for solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

A Ni-based anode coated by SrTi0.5Mo0.2Ni0.3-xO3−δ with nano-nickel is prepared by wet impregnation. The effects of the loading amounts of SrTi0.5Mo0.2Ni0.3-xO3−δ with nano-nickel coating on the cell performance are investigated. XRD characterization shows that SrTi0.5Mo0.2Ni0.3-xO3−δ perovskite and NiO phase are in-situ formed. SEM images display that SrTi0.5Mo0.2Ni0.3-xO3−δ perovskite with nano-nickel covers the substrate NiO. The construction of SrTi0.5Mo0.2Ni0.3-xO3−δ perovskite with nano-nickel coating has remarkable influence on the conductivity of Ni - based anode. Electrochemical performance test indicates that SrTi0.5Mo0.2Ni0.3-xO3−δ perovskite with nano-nickel coating can enhance the electrode activity and reduce the impedance. Additionally, the fuel cell with Ni - based anode coated by SrTi0.5Mo0.2Ni0.3-xO3−δ perovskite with nano-nickel exhibits more favorable electrochemical stability than the conventional Ni based anode in 100 ppm H2S/H2. In short, the Ni based anode with SrTi0.5Mo0.2Ni0.3-xO3−δ and Ni composite coating is a feasible material candidate for the electrode of high-performance solid oxide fuel cells.