One-pot synthesis of silver-modified sulfur-tolerant anode for SOFCs with an expanded operation temperature window

To develop solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) capable of operating on sulfur-containing practical fuels at intermediate temperatures, further improvement of the sulfur tolerance of a Ni + BaZr_0.4Ce_0.4Y_0.2O_3-δ (BZCY) anode is attempted through the addition of some metal modifiers (Fe, Co, and Ag) by a one-pot synthesis approach. The effects of these modifiers on the electrical conductivity, morphology, sulfur tolerance, and electrochemical activity of the anode are systematically studied. As a result, the cell with Ag-modified Ni + BZCY anode demonstrates highest power output when operated on 1000 ppm H₂S-H₂ fuel. Furthermore, the Ag-modified anode displays much better stability than Ni + BZCY with 1000 ppm H₂S-H₂ fuel at 600°C. These results suggest that the addition of Ag modifier into Ni + BZCY is a promising and efficient method for improving the sulfur tolerance of SOFCs.