Catalytic electrodes for high performance solid oxide fuel cells operated at intermediate and low temperatures

Catalytic electrodes for high performance solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) operated at intermediate and low temperature were developed in both stationary and tractionary applications. The Pt electrode intermediate temperature SOFC (ITSOFC) exhibited much stronger polarization effects than that of the composite electrodes. The CuO additives in the electrodes could significantly improve the direct methanol SOFC and direct ethanol SOFC performances. ITSOFC based on ceria-based composite electrolyte and electrodes had the advantages to directly operate various existing fuels, e.g. various hydrocarbon fuels (synthesized coal gas, biomass, nature gas, alcohol, and ammonia). The ceria-composite electrodes were highly catalytic and conductive for both ion and electrons. The ceria-composite electrolytes were highly electrolytic, indicating that oxygen atoms can be oxidized as the ions as efficient as possible and transport as fast as possible, based on the high ionic conductivity and ionic entire transport ability of the ceria-composite electrolyte. All these unique advantages, e.g., super ionic conductivity, highly catalyst, and compatibility among all cell components, make the ceria-composite ITSOFC more efficient and more promising than the YSZ SOFC.