Electrocatalytic Behavior of Cu-Based Ceramic-Metal (Cermet) Anodes in Contact with Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC)

Anode selection in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) has been a challenging problem particularly in fulfilling the requirements for low temperature operation (i.e. 500-750°C) of those cells and for operation under conditions suitable for direct hydrocarbon oxidation (i.e. without intermediate reforming). Both the above requirements would significantly reduce the fabrication cost of these cells. A promising strategy in promoting the above goals is to replace conventional Ni-Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) cermets that under hydrocarbon atmospheres favor the formation of carbon filaments especially above 700°C with cermets containing a catalytically inert metal such as Cu. In this communication we examine and compare the electrochemical performance of Cu-based cermets containing either CeO2 or the perovskite (La0.75Sr0.25)Cr0.5Mn0.5O3-δ (LSCM) as ceramic components at 700°C. The cermets were prepared using conventional ceramic techniques and their electrochemical performance was examined in an YSZ tubular reactor under either H2 or CH4 and under open and close circuit conditions.