Investigation of MgO Promoted NiO: SDC Anode Material for Intermediate Temperatures Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract

This paper investigated the electrochemical performance of Ni0.9Mg0.1O-SDC for hydrogen and methane fuelled IT-SOFCs using an electrolyte-supported button cells. The Ni0.9Mg0.1O-SDC anode has been chosen based on the premises that the doped-ceria is suitable for intermediate temperatures (550-800°); that Ni is known as an active metal and good electron conductor; that MgO is a promoter to avoid agglomeration of Ni during reduction and to achieve higher Ni dispersion; and finally, that CeO2-Sm2O3 (SDC) improves oxide ion transport to the cell at this intermediate temperature range. Electrochemical performance under humidified hydrogen and methane were carried out at 650, 700 and 750° and tested using polarization curve and electrochemical impedance spectra. Adding MgO to NiO-SDC anode improved the maximum power density and lowered the polarization resistance of the cell.