A methane-fueled SOFC based on a thin BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3−δ electrolyte film and a LaNi0.6Co0.4O3 anode functional layer

Abstract

A methane-fueled solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) operating at 500–650 °C was fabricated using a thin BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.1Yb_0.1O_3−δ (BZCYYb) electrolyte film and a LaNi_0.6Co_0.4O₃ anode functional layer. Thin BZCYYb electrolyte films (thickness = 3 μm) and NiO–BZCYYb anode supports were prepared by electron beam vapor deposition. A LaNi_0.6Co_0.4O₃ catalyst layer was coated onto the anode support. The BZCYYb electrolyte film was characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Current–voltage (I–V) curves and impedance spectra were measured to characterize the electrochemical performance of the cell. The NiO–BZCYYb anode exhibited a high coking resistance, and the cell was stable for 200 h when operated under methane at 550 °C. The presence of the LaNi_0.6Co_0.4O₃ functional catalyst significantly enhanced the cell performance. The maximum power densities of the prepared cells were 0.98, 0.65, 0.51 and 0.40 W cm⁻² at 650, 600, 550 and 500 °C, respectively, under methane fuel.