Electrochemical performance of a copper-impregnated Ni–Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 anode running on methane

Ni–Cu–Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 anode-supported single cells were developed for the direct utilization of methane. An yttria-doped zirconia and Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 bi-layer electrolyte and a La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 − δ cathode layer were fabricated by slurry spin-coating. Cu was added to the anode by impregnation with a nitrate solution. The effects of Cu on the electrochemical performance of the anode were investigated in dry methane with respect to times of impregnation. Impregnation with Cu twice was determined to be optimal. Incorporating Cu into the anode improved electrochemical performance of the cells, reducing ohmic resistance and suppressing carbon deposition. At 700 °C, the single cell exhibited a maximum power density of 406 mW/cm2 in dry methane. At a current density of 500 mA/cm2, the cell maintained 98.6% of its initial voltage after operation for 900 min.