Intermediate temperature anode-supported fuel cell based on BaCe 0.9Y0.1O3 electrolyte with novel Pr 2NiO4 cathode

Abstract

A proton conducting ceramic fuel cell (PCFC) operating at intermediate temperature has been developed that incorporates electrolyte and electrode materials prepared by flash combustion (yttrium-doped barium cerate) and auto-ignition (praseodymium nickelate) methods. The fuel cell components were assembled using an anode-support approach, with the anode and proton ceramic layers prepared by copressing and co-firing, and subsequent deposition of the cathode by screen-printing onto the proton ceramic surface. When the fuel cell was fed with moist hydrogen and air, a high Open Circuit Voltage (OCV >; 1.1 V) was observed at T >; 550 °C, which was stable for 300 h (end of test), indicating excellent gas-tightness of the proton ceramic layer. The power density of the fuel cell increased with temperature of operation, providing more than 130 mW cm-2 at 650 °C. Symmetric cells incorporating Ni-BCY10 cermet and BCY10 electrolyte on the one hand, and Pr 2NiO4 + δ and BCY10 electrolyte on the other hand, were also characterised and area specific resistances of 0.06 ω cm 2 for the anode material and 1-2 ω cm2 for the cathode material were obtained at 600 °C. © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.