Ni-Zr0.75Ce0.25O2-δ Composite as Steam Methane Reformable SOFC Anode

The feasibility of Ni supported Zr0.75Ce0.25O2-δ (ZCO) composites as steam methane reformable anode has been studied. ZCO powder was prepared by combustion synthesis technique using L-alanine as fuel. Phase pure material with average particle size below 1 µm was obtained upon calcination at 700oC for 6 h. Thermal expansion behaviour and electrical characterization of bulk samples of such Ni-ZCO composite anodes (Ni content between 20 and 40 vol%) have been carried out. Steam methane reforming (SMR) activity of the samples was also evaluated. The composite anodes were found to be quite promising in terms of matching thermal expansion coefficient, electrical conductivity and SMR activity. Anode supported single cells having configuration Ni-ZCO/YSZ/LSM have been fabricated and tested using methane as fuel.