Performance Comparison between Ni–SDC and Ni–YSZ Cermet Electrodes for Carbon Dioxide Electrolysis on Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell

Abstract

In this article, two Ni-based cermet electrodes have been fabricated and their electrochemical performances have been evaluated for CO2 electrolysis on solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC). It was found that Ni–SDC cermet electrode showed lower cathodic overpotential than Ni–YSZ electrode. The improved cell performance indicated that Ni–SDC cermet was a better and more effective electrode material for CO2 reduction. The results revealed that the conductivity of Ni–SDC cermet cathode for CO2 reduction strongly depended on the operating parameters, and the effect of these operating parameters on the electrochemical activity of Ni–SDC cermet cathode was closely interlinked. The most critical operating parameter for CO2 reduction was appeared to be the gaseous atmosphere, which can be controlled by changing the oxygen partial pressure at Ni–SDC electrode.