Recent advances in carbon-resistant anodes for solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) can efficiently satisfy the power supply demand at any time and place in an environmentally friendly manner. However, considering the commercial application of SOFCs, the deposition of carbon on conventional SOFC anodes (nickel-based anodes) during their operation with hydrocarbon fuels, which leads to a degradation in the cell performance, needs to be well addressed. In this review, we discuss the carbon deposition process in SOFCs, carbon detection methods, and strategies to solve anode carburization, with a primary focus on alternative anode materials. Specifically, the coking mechanism, carbon-resistant strategies, and research development of bimetallic-cermet materials are reviewed in detail. In addition, the principle of in situ nanoparticle exsolution from perovskite materials and factors affecting the growth of dissolved nanoparticles are introduced, and the application of in situ exsolution in anti-carbon anodes is also discussed. Furthermore, we present the carbon deposition phenomenon in SOFC anodes and alternative anode design ideas in terms of simulation, calculation, and reaction kinetic models. Finally, we also give future research directions, especially proposing the potential application of single-atom based anode catalysts in hydrocarbon-fueled SOFCs.