Study of CuFe-Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ as IT-SOFC Anode: Catalytic Activity, Thermal Expansion, Morphology, Electrical Conductivity and Chemical Compatibility

Abstract

CuFe-Ce0.9Gd0.1O2- (CF-CG) has been prepared in order to explore its potential as anode material for Intermediate Temperature Fuel Cell (IT-SOFC) for direct oxidation of methane. In this work, the catalytic activity, the thermal expansion coefficient, the morphology, the electrical conductivity and the chemical compatibility of this anode material with YSZ, LSGM and CGO, common electrolytes used in SOFC, have been studied. Catalytic activity results reveal that the presence of Fe affects both the CH4 reactivity and the formation of carbon deposits. The sample shows metallic behavior having an electrical conductivity value of 7.8 S cm-1 at 750°C under reducing atmosphere. The thermal expansion coefficients in both reducing and oxidizing atmosphere are matched to that of SOFC electrolytes. Reactivity studies have demonstrated an excellent chemical compatibility between this material and common SOFC electrolytes.