Co-generation of electricity and syngas on proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cell with a perovskite layer as a precursor of a highly efficient reforming catalyst

In this study, a proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell (layered H⁺-SOFC) is prepared by introducing a La₂NiO₄perovskite oxide with a Ruddlesden-Popper structure as a catalyst layer onto a conventional NiO + BaZr_0.4Ce_0.4Y_0.2O_3-δ(NiO + BZCY4) anode for in situ CO₂dry reforming of methane. The roles of the La₂NiO₄catalyst layer on the reforming activity, coking tolerance, electrocatalytic activity and operational stability of the anodes are systematically studied. The La₂NiO₄catalyst layer exhibits greater catalytic performance than the NiO + BZCY4 anode during the CO₂dry reforming of methane. An outstanding coking resistance capability is also demonstrated. The layered H⁺-SOFC consumes H₂produced in situ at the anode and delivers a much higher power output than the conventional cell with the NiO + BZCY4 anode. The improved coking resistance of the layered H⁺-SOFC results in a steady output voltage of ∼0.6 V under a constant current density of 200 mA cm⁻². In summary, the H⁺-SOFC with La₂NiO₄perovskite oxide is a potential energy conversion device for CO₂conversion and utilization with co-generation of electricity and syngas.