Enhanced electrochemical performance, water storage capability and coking resistance of a Ni+BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.1Yb_0.1O_3-δ anode for solid oxide fuel cells operating on ethanol

To improve the water storage capability, electrochemical activity and coking resistance of the Ni+BaZr_0.4Ce_0.4Y_0.2O_3-δ (BZCY4) material, the reduction of Zr amount and partial Yb doping on Y site are investigated in this study for its application as anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operating on ethanol fuel. It is found that the Ni+BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.1Yb_0.1O_3-δ (BZCYYb) anode presents better water storage capability, coking resistance and electrochemical activity for hydrogen oxidation than Ni+BZCY4 and Ni+BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3-δ (BZCY7) anodes. In addition, remarkable cell performance with ethanol as the fuel is obtained with Ni+BZCYYb anodes. For instance, a peak power density higher than 900mWcm^-2 at 750°C is delivered from a single cell with ethanol as a fuel. Furthermore, a good operational stability is achieved at 600°C for around 100h with Ni+BZCYYb anodes operating on ethanol fuel. The good catalytic activity for ethanol-steam reforming, superior coking resistance, high water storage capability, remarkable cell power output and operational stability make these Ni+BZCYYb cermets good candidates as the anodes in intermediate-temperature (IT) SOFCs.