Performance and durability of a layered proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell fueled by the dry reforming of methane

Catalyst layers derived from La₂NiO₄, LaNiO₃ and Ni/La₂O₃ precursors were applied to a conventional Ni-based anode in a proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell (H⁺-SOFC) for the dry reforming of methane with CO₂. The phase structures, microstructures and catalytic activities of catalysts from the different precursors were systematically investigated. The cell performance and durability of a H⁺-SOFC with a catalyst layer (layered H⁺-SOFC) were examined. The layered H⁺-SOFC had higher cell performances than the conventional H⁺-SOFC. However, catalyst deactivation and degradation of the cell performance were observed as carbon deposition occurred on the catalyst layer due to CO disproportionation in exhaust gas at a high partial pressure of CO. The structure of carbon deposited on the catalysts was also investigated.