Synthesis and characterization of new ternary transition metal sulfide anodes for H 2S-powered solid oxide fuel cell

Abstract

A number of ternary transition metal sulfides with general composition AB 2S 4 (where A and B are different transition metal atoms) have been prepared and investigated as potential anode catalysts for use in H 2S-powered solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). For the initial screening, polarization resistance of the materials was measured in a two electrode symmetrical cell at 700–850 °C. Vanadium-based materials showed the lowest polarization resistance, and so were chosen for subsequent full cell tests using the configuration [H 2S, AV 2S 4/YSZ/Pt, air] (where A = Ni, Cr, Mo). MoV 2S 4 anode had superior activity and performance in the full cell setup, consistent with results from symmetrical cell tests. Polarization curves showed MoV 2S 4 had the lowest potential drop, with up to a 200 mA cm −2 current density at 800 °C. The highest power density of ca. 275 mW cm −2 at 800 °C was obtained with a pure H 2S stream. Polarization resistance of materials was a strong function of current density, and showed a sharp change of slope attributable to a change in the rate-limiting step of the anode reaction mechanism. MoV 2S 4 was chemically stable during prolonged (10 days) exposure to H 2S at 850 °C, and fuel cell performance was stable during continuous 3-day operation at 370 mA cm −2 current density.