Catalytic Behavior of PdONiOSDC composites for partial oxidation of methane: Application as anodes of single-chamber IT-SOFCs

Abstract

PdONiOSDC composites (SDC: Sm2 O3 -doped Ce O2) have been proposed to be excellent anodes for single-chamber, intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SC-IT-SOFCs) operated under mixtures of C H4 and air, reaching high power densities at relatively low working temperatures. In this work we evaluated the catalytic activity of these composites in the partial oxidation of C H4, finding that their high performance is due to the excellent catalytic properties of these materials. The effect of the addition of PdO was investigated by analyzing NiO/SDC and PdONiOSDC composites under different reaction temperatures and C H4: O2 ratios. Finally, PdONiOSDC composites were evaluated under operation in SC-IT-SOFCs similar to those reported in the literature using SDC electrolytes and Sm0.5 Sr0.5 Co O3 cathodes. Our results confirmed the feasibility of SC-IT-SOFCs. © 2009 The Electrochemical Society. All rights reserved.