Electrochemical performances of Ni_1-xCu_x/SDC cermet anodes for intermediate-temperature SOFCs using syngas fuel

Ni-based alloy cermet anodes, Ni_1-x Cu _x (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.5, and 1.0)/Ce_0.8Sm_0.2O_1.9 (SDC), were prepared for use with syngas fuel in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells by in situ reduction of Ni_1-x Cu _x O compounds. The electrochemical performances of cells with the Ni_1-x Cu _x /SDC anodes were investigated at 700 and 600 °C, using humidified (3% H₂O) syngas with H₂/CO = 3/2 as the fuel. Cu doping of the Ni/SDC anode effectively suppressed carbon deposition on the anode. However, the cell performance was deteriorated with increasing amounts of Cu. The Ni_0.8Cu_0.2/SDC anode was found to be promising for use with syngas fuel.