Graphene Incorporated Nanocomposite Anode for Low Temperature SOFCs

Abstract

The current energy assets based on fossil fuel are being used extensively. Thus, the high utilization of these sources has created an alarming situation for scientists and researchers to investigate alternative energy conversion sources followed by devices. Fuel cell technology is an emerging field of research due to high efficiency and environmentally friendly energy conversion. The solid oxide fuel cell is a promising candidate as an alternative energy conversion technology. In this context, graphene incorporated composite anode materials have been synthesized by solid state reaction with anode composition Al0.1Ni0.2Zn0.7 oxides, and different amounts of 1 wt.%, 1.3 wt.%, and 1.5 wt.% graphene are then incorporated in the prepared composite material. The crystal structure and surface morphology have been analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The crystallite sizes evaluated by XRD are found in the range of 42–56 nm followed by confirming with SEM images by line drawing. Electrical conductivity has been measured at the function of temperature from 300°C to 650°C by a direct current (DC) four-probe method and maximum value is found to be 0.53 Scm−1 at 370°C with 1.3% graphene incorporation. The maximum power density has been achieved of 375 mWcm−2 at 600°C with 1.3% graphene incorporation.