Catalysts and performances for direct methanol low-temperature (300 to 600°C) solid oxide fuel cells

A novel anode catalyst, C-MO-SDC (C=activated carbon/carbon black, M=Cu, Ni, Co, SDC=Ce_0.9Sm_0.1O_1.95) was synthesized by employing a citrate/nitrate combustion technique. Carbon materials, e.g., activated carbon and carbon black were first used to improve the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode properties, especially to improve the microstructure and to enhance the anode conductivity and catalyst function for directly operating methanol as the fuel. The resulting anode catalyst C-MO-SDC materials used in a SOFC device have successfully achieved a high power density of 0.25 W cm ^-2 by directly operating the methanol at 560°C.