Ni cermet solid oxide fuel cell anodes prepared from nanoparticle Y2O3―CeO2―ZrO2 solid solutions

Abstract

Ni cermet anodes were prepared from nanoparticle solid solutions of Y2O3―CeO2―ZrO2 with various CeO2 contents, (Y2O3)0.08(CeO2)x(ZrO2)0.92-x (x=0–0.08). The performance of cells with anodes prepared from solid solutions was better than that of the cells with anodes prepared by physical mixing. The performance of cells with anodes prepared from solid solutions increased with an increase in CeO2 content. Results of impedance analysis of the anode suggested that conduction of O2− is enhanced by CeO2 particles. The rate of coke deposition decreased with an increase in CeO2 content of the solid solution. The rate of C removal increased with an increase in conduction of O2−, suggesting that C reacted with O2− ions of CeO2 particles for steam reforming of methane.