Study of a SOFC with a bimetallic Cu–Co–ceria anode directly fuelled with simulated biogas mixtures

The present work is focused in the study of the bimetallic Cu–Co formulation combined with CeO2 as SOFC anode, at 750 °C, direct feed of methane and two different fuel mixtures that simulate biogas. Additionally, the sulphur tolerance of new anode material has been evaluated. Its single cell evaluation, based on a samaria doped ceria (SDC) solid electrolyte and a LSM perovskite cathode, together with the electrochemical characterisation and catalytic activity tests, have allowed to demonstrate the ability of this material to operate directly with simulated biogas mixtures without loss of single cell performance due to the formation of carbon deposits or sulphur anode poisoning. The activity of this material for the exothermic oxidation of methane reduces the energy requirement of the endothermic internal methane reforming process. The cobalt doping of basic copper–ceria formulation enhanced sulphur and carbon coking tolerance of the SOFC anode material.