Self‐modification of Ni Metal Surfaces with CeO2 to Suppress Carbon Deposition at Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes

Abstract

AbstractHigh durability against carbon deposition on Ni anodes of internal‐reforming solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is one of the most significant challenges in the utilization of SOFCs. Carbon deposition is strongly affected by the type of solid oxide electrolyte, although it occurs on Ni surfaces which are a few hundred nanometers away from the solid oxide electrolyte. Carbon deposition under CH4 flow at 1,073 K on Ni particles on yttria‐stabilized ZrO2 was determined to occur more readily than on Ni particles on Gd‐doped CeO2. We have examined how the solid oxides interact with the Ni surfaces in anodes using Auger electron microanalysis and infrared spectroscopy with adsorbed molecules. The results suggest that the CeO2 species migrate on the Ni surfaces under reducing conditions. The chemical influence of CeO2 migration on the Ni surface was confirmed by infrared spectra of adsorbed CO on Ni sites.