Carbon deposition behaviour on Ni–ScSZ anodes for internal reforming solid oxide fuel cells

The operating properties of solid oxide fuel cells using Ni/scandia-stabilized zirconia (Ni–ScSZ) anodes under internal reforming conditions are investigated. A single-cell achieved a maximum power density of 0.64 W cm−2 at 900 °C in 97%CH4/3%H2O mixture fuel. The cell voltage during the power generation at 0.5 A cm−2 is stable in 97%CH4/3%H2O mixture fuel at 900 °C for at least 150 h. By contrast, degradation of anode performance and carbon deposition are found at 800 °C under the same conditions. These results suggest that carbon deposition is hindered more effectively at higher temperature under operation at high current density.