Porous Cu–Ni-YSZ cermets using CH4 fuel for SOFC

Thin and porous anodes need three important properties, high porosity, moderate catalytic ability, and no carbon deposition, when using hydrocarbon fuels for the operation of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Nickel-based (Ni/YSZ) cermets might perform serious carbon deposition using hydrocarbon fuels. Instead, many researches select Cu-based cermets to extend the application period. This study chose half replaced cermet (50%Cu–Ni in Y-doped ZrO2), and verified the effects of H2 formation and carbon deposition comparing to other two series, i.e. Ni-YSZ and Cu-YSZ. Three ingredients were homogeneously mixed and reduced, then sintered to the porosity of 54 ± 3%. The re-dox properties under various atmospheres and the permeability of made cermets have been investigated. The results showed that 50%Cu–Ni with 8YSZ performed moderate catalytic ability, low cracking rate for CH4, and good electric conductivity of 1503 S cm?1 at 650 °C. The sample is suitable for using CH4 fuel for SOFCs. ? 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC