Development of perovskite ceramic anodes with catalytic nanoparticles direct natural gas solid oxide

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are a promising device for clean energy technology displaying very low environmental impact and high energy conversion efficiency. These electrochemical devices offer excellent fuel flexibility, which makes utilization of abundant and low-cost hydrocarbon fuels possible. However, some of the main technological and scientific challenges towards the use of natural gas still need to be addressed. In this work, perovskite-structured (ABO3) ceramics will be investigated for anode catalytic layers for direct natural gas SOFC. Perovskite solid solutions containing highly catalytic metals (Ni, Ir, or Ru) incorporated at the B-site will be prepared by polymeric precursor synthesis to produce homogeneous single-phase ceramic nanopowders with good sinterability. The catalytic activity will be enhanced by the formation of active exsolved nanoparticles using appropriated heat treatment in reducing atmosphere. The produced materials and the exsolution of catalytic nanoparticles will be characterized by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The electrical properties will be investigated by impedance spectroscopy. Selected produced catalytic layers will be applied in a single electrolyte-supported SOFC and tested with natural gas fuel. The stability and performance will be investigated. The main expected result is to advance the understanding of the general properties of perovskites with respect to the tradeoff between structural, catalytic, and transport properties. Thus, results from this work will lead to advances in scientific knowledge to expand the use of natural gas on SOFCs. (AU)