固体氧化物直接碳燃料电池阳极反应过程分析

以氧化钇稳定的氧化锆(YSZ)为电解质组装成直接碳燃料电池(DCFC),分别以活性炭(AC)、石墨(G)、神府半焦(SC)作为DCFC燃料,研究了碳燃料的特性、电池操作温度以及阳极反应气氛等对DCFC阳极反应过程的影响。结果表明,三种碳燃料在空气、CO₂气氛中氧化反应活性顺序为AC > SC > G,当三种碳材料作为DCFC燃料时,活性炭作为燃料的DCFC性能最好,半焦燃料次之,石墨作为燃料的DCFC性能最差,而且燃料反应活性与其表面含氧官能团、孔隙结构有关;DCFC的阳极反应过程存在碳燃料直接氧化为CO₂、CO₂与C反应转化为CO,以及CO氧化为CO₂等。     

The effect of mass transfer on electrochemical impedance of a solid oxide fuel cell anode

This paper presents electrochemical impedance simulation of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode in order to investigate the effect of mass transport processes on the impedance spectra. The current model takes in to account the gas-phase transport processes both in the gas channel and within the porous electrode and couples the gas transport processes with the electrochemical kinetics. The impedance simulation is carried out in time domain, and the correlation between the anode harmonic responses to the sinusoidal excitation and the impedance spectra is analyzed. In order to solve the system of non-linear equations, an in-house code based on the finite difference method is developed and utilized. Results show a depressed semicircle in the Nyquist plot, which originates from gas transport processes in the gas channel, in addition to a Warburg diffusion impedance originates from gas transport in the thick porous anode. The influence of parameters such as electrode thickness, inlet gas composition, and temperature is also investigated and the results are discussed. The simulation results are in good agreement with published data.     

A direct-methane solid oxide fuel cell with a double-layer anode

A tubular anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell with a double-layer anode for the direct conversion of CH₄ has been prepared and operated at 800 °C successfully. The double-layer anode was composed of NiO–YSZ and CoO–NiO–SDC acting as supporting layer and active reforming layer, respectively. At 800 °C, a maximum power density of 350 mW cm⁻² was obtained with CH₄ as fuel and air as oxidant. The time-dependent impedance spectra of the tubular cell were examined and discussed. No carbon deposition was observed on the surface of the anode when the cell was operated at a constant current density of 250 mA cm⁻².     

Effects of low hydrocarbons on the solid oxide fuel cell anode

In this work, the effects of ethylene on the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode were investigated both for an SOFC single cell and an SOFC stack. Two fuels were used to observe the effects that low hydrocarbons (over C1-hydrocarbons) in the reformate gas stream have on the SOFC anode. Methane or ethylene was supplied to the electrolyte-supported SOFC anode. Using ethylene as a fuel, catastrophic degradation of SOFC performance was observed due to ethylene-induced carbon deposition onto the SOFC anode. Thus, a new methodology, termed “post-reforming,” is introduced for the removal of low hydrocarbons (over C1-hydrocarbons) from the reformate gas stream. The CGO-Ru catalyst was selected as the post-reforming catalyst because of its high selectivity for removing low hydrocarbons (over C1-hydrocarbons) and for its long-term stability. The diesel reformer and post-reformer were continuously operated for ∼250 h in coupled-operation mode. The reforming performance was not degraded, and low hydrocarbons (over C1-hydrocarbons) in the diesel reformate were completely removed.     

Impedance simulation of a solid oxide fuel cell anode in time domain

The purpose of the current study is to simulate the behavior of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode under sinusoidal excitation. The obtained harmonic response is used as a base for electrochemical impedance spectra simulation. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is a powerful non-destructive tool for SOFC researches. In order to evaluate the EIS experimental results, efforts are devoted to develop EIS numerical simulation tools. In this study, a planar SOFC is modeled, and the steady state behavior and frequency response, as well as the electrochemical spectra of the anode, are obtained. The developed model couples the electrochemical kinetics with mass transport. The Butler–Volmer equation is used for the anode electrochemistry, and the species equations are used for gas transport in the anode channel. In order to solve the system of the nonlinear equations, an in-house code based on finite difference method is developed and utilized. A parametric study is also carried out, and the results are discussed. The simulation results are in good agreement with published data. Results show a capacitive semicircle in the Nyquist plot, which is identical to the gas diffusion impedance as reported in literatures.     

Effects of CuO addition to anode on the electrochemical performances of cathode-supported solid oxide fuel cells

A cathode-supported electrolyte film was fabricated by tape casting and co-sintering techniques. (La_0.8Sr_0.2)_0.95MnO₃ (LSM95), LSM95/Zr_0.89Sc_0.1Ce_0.01O_2?x (SSZ), and SSZ were used as materials of cathode substrate, cathode active layer, and electrolyte, respectively. CuO–NiO–SSZ composite anode was deposited on SSZ surface by screen-printing and sintered at 1250 °C for 2 h. The effects of CuO addition to NiO–SSZ anode on the performance of cathode-supported SOFCs were investigated. CuO can effectively improve the sintering activity of NiO–SSZ. The assembled cells were electrochemically characterized with humidified H₂ as fuel and O₂ as oxidant. With 4 wt.% CuO addition, the ohmic resistance decreased from 3 to 0.46 Ω cm², and at the same time the polarization resistance decreased from 3.4 to 0.74 Ω cm². In comparison with the cell without CuO, the maximum power density at 850 °C increased from 0.054 to 0.446 W cm^?2 with 4 wt.% CuO addition.     

Modeling of electrochemical processes in solid oxide fuel cells

A mathematical model of electrochemical processes in a solid oxide fuel cell is presented. A procedure for the calculation of the current—voltage characteristic (CVC) taking into account the influence of the reagent concentration, pressure, and temperature is considered. The problem of calculation of the electromotive force (emf) and thermodynamic efficiency was studied in detail. The influence of the presence of carbon dioxide and water vapor in the anode gas on the emf and thermodynamic efficiency is analyzed. The method of measuring the CVC in an experiment at a constant fuel rate is briefly considered. The results of application of the calculation model are compared with the experimental data.     

Progress and challenges of carbon-fueled solid oxide fuel cells anode

Carbon-fueled solid oxide fuel cells(CF-SOFCs)can electrochemically convert the chemical energy in carbon into electricity,which demonstrate both superior electrical efficiency and fuel utilisation compared to all other types of fuel cells.However,using solid carbon as the fuel of SOFCs also faces some challenges,the fluid mobility and reactive activity of carbon-based fuels are much lower than those of gaseous fuels.Therefore,the anode reaction kinetics plays a crucial role in determining the electrochemical performance of CF-SOFCs.Herein,the progress of various anodes in CF-SOFCs is reviewed from the perspective of material compositions,electrochemical performance and microstructures.Challenges faced in developing high performance anodes for CF-SOFCs are also discussed.     

SOFC中干甲烷浓度对Ni-YSZ阳极上反应的影响

为探讨固体氧化物燃料电池(solid oxide fuel cell, SOFC)中干甲烷浓度对反应的影响,采用色谱在线测量阳极尾气,总结阳极尾气的变化规律。在此基础上,分析干甲烷在固体氧化物燃料电池Ni-YSZ阳极上的反应,寻找干甲烷浓度与电流对电池阳极反应影响的数学关系。结果表明,随着电流密度的增加,低浓度甲烷按顺序发生CH₄+O^2- → CO+2H₂+2e^-、CH₄+2O^2- → CO+H₂O+H₂ +4e^-、CH₄+3O^2- → CO+2H₂O + 6e^-、CH₄+4O^2- → CO₂+2H₂O+8e^-反应,高浓度甲烷只发生甲烷的第一个氧化反应,中浓度甲烷发生前两个或前三个反应。依据法拉第第一定律及反应物之间的关系,确定甲烷的低、中、高浓度的判定依据分别为:q_v(CH₄)≤I/(4F)、I/(4F)≤q_v(CH₄)≤I/(2F)、q_v(CH₄)≥I/(2F)。     

Effect of pretreatments on the anode structure of solid oxide fuel cells

An important objective in the development of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is to produce thin stabilized zirconia electrolytes that are supported upon the nickel–zirconia composite anode. Although this will reduce some of the problems associated with SOFCs by permitting lower temperature operation, this design may encounter problems during start- up. The first step in a start-up involves the reduction of nickel oxide in the anode to metallic nickel and increase of three-phase boundary will be beneficial for further reaction. In this study, two pretreatment methods are investigated for their effects on the performances of SOFC. Performances of the SOFCs are influenced by the pretreatment conditions, which included exposure of the cells to dilute H₂/O₂ either under open-circuit or closed-circuit conditions before their performance studies. By carrying out the methods, the pretreatment using the closed circuit is found to attain much higher performances effectively and efficiently. Accompanying with SEM and element analysis, increase of three-phase boundary is considered to give rise to changes in the anode microstructure, leading to activation of the anode. Mechanisms of NiO in anode reducing to Ni and porous structure via different pretreatments and their effects on the anode microstructure are proposed.     

固体氧化物燃料电池直接以焦炭为燃料的电性能

直接碳固体氧化物燃料电池（DC-SOFC）是一种潜在的固体碳燃料高效率、低污染发电技术。本研究报道了将工业焦炭直接用作管式DC-SOFC燃料的研究。制备了电极材料为Ag-GDC （钆掺杂氧化铈）的YSZ （钇稳定化氧化锆）电解质支撑型管式固体氧化物燃料电池（SOFC）。采用拉曼光谱、扫描电镜和X射线能谱仪对焦炭燃料进行了性质表征。结果表明,焦炭燃料呈微米级的颗粒状,并含有大量对Boudouard反应有利的缺陷结构。电池以纯焦炭为燃料在850℃取得的最大功率密度为149mW/cm²,在碳燃料表面负载能提高Boudouard反应速率的Fe催化剂后,最大功率密度提高至217mW/cm²。通过电化学测试和尾气表征,分析了恒电流放电过程中电池的性能衰减机制。测试结果证明了将焦炭直接用作全固态DC-SOFC的燃料产生电能的可行性。     

Novel co-extruded electrolyte–anode hollow fibres for solid oxide fuel cells

Novel CGO/NiO–CGO dual-layer hollow fibres (HFs) have been fabricated in a single-step co-extrusion and co-sintering process. LSCF–CGO cathodes layers were then deposited onto the dual-layer HFs to construct micro-tubular SOFCs. The NiO in the micro-tubular HF–SOFCs was reduced at 550 °C using hydrogen gas to form Ni anodes. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the dual-layer HFs have porous anodes and dense electrolyte layers. Preliminary measurements with a HF–SOFC fed with H₂ and atmospheric oxygen, produced maximum power densities of 420 W m⁻² and 800 W m⁻² at 450 °C and 550 °C, respectively.     

Coal syngas reactivity over Ni-added LSCF–GDC anode of solid oxide fuel cells

Coal syngases of various CO/H₂ ratios were used as the fuel over anode of solid oxide fuel cells. Anode materials of La_0.58Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O_3?δ (LSCF)–gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) composites and Ni-added LSCF–GDC were tested. The maximum power density of CO is higher than that of H₂ and increases as the CO concentration in the CO + H₂ mixture increases. As the LSCF content in the LSCF–GDC composites increases, the H₂ reactivity increases but the CO reactivity decreases. The maximum power density of Ni-added LSCF–GDC is highest but the steady-state current density of LSCF–GDC can be higher than that of Ni-added LSCF–GDC via an induction period of activation.     

Symmetrical solid oxide fuel cell with strontium ferrite-molybdenum electrodes

The work contains the results of studies of a promising composite material of Sr₂Fe_1.5Mo_0.5O₆ + Ce_0.8Sm_0.2O_1.9 for electrodes of symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells. It is shown that conductivity of the composite at 800°C is about 10 and 15 S/cm, for air and humid hydrogen, respectively, and polarization resistance of the electrodes in contact with the electrolyte based on doped lanthanum gallate under the same conditions is about 0.26 and 0.12 Ohm cm². Tests of a symmetrical fuel cell with a planar design and the supporting gallate electrolyte with the thickness of 300 μm show that the cell can develop the power of about 0.5 W/cm² at 800°C when air is supplied to the cathode and humid hydrogen is supplied to the anode. Analysis of polarization losses shows that the polarization of the oxygen electrode considerably exceeds the polarization of the anode.     

A new anode for solid oxide fuel cells with enhanced OCV under methane operation

A new SOFC anode material based upon oxygen excess perovskite related phases has been synthesised. The material shows better electrochemical performance than other alternative new anodes and comparable performance to the state-of-art of the electrodes, Ni-YSZ cermets, under pure hydrogen. Furthermore, this material shows an enhanced performance under methane operation with high open circuit voltages, i.e. 1.2-1.4 V at 950 degrees C, without using steam excess. The effect of the anode configuration was tested in one and four layer configurations. The optimised electrode polarisation resistances were just 0.12 ohm cm(2) and 0.36 ohm cm(2), at 950 degrees C, in humidified H(2) and humidified CH(4), respectively. Power densities of 0.5 W cm(-2) and 0.35 W cm(-2) were obtained in the same conditions. A very low anodic overpotential of 100 mV at 1 A cm(-2) was obtained under humidified H(2) at 950 degrees C. Samples were tested for two days in reducing and oxidising conditions, alternating heating and cooling processes from 850 degrees C to 950 degrees C, showing stable electrode performance and open circuit voltages. The results show that the substituted strontium titanates are very promising anode materials for SOFC.     

Direct oxidation of sulfur-containing fuels in a solid oxide fuel cell

Solid-oxide fuel cells with Cu-ceria anodes are shown to provide stable power generation through the direct oxidation of hydrocarbon fuels having sulfur levels similar to that in gasoline and can be regenerated by steam after being poisoned with higher sulfur levels.     

EPMA of interfaces applied to the solid oxide fuel cell

Chemical interactions at the phase boundaries of materials applied for the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) have been studied by EPMA. The chemical reactivity at the interface of La_y-xSr_xMnO₃/ZrO₂-Y₂O₃ is dependent on the stoichiometry (y) and the Sr content (x) of the perovskite. Typical reaction products (zirconates) and a diffusion zone in the ZrO₂–Y₂O₃ have been observed. The extension of cation release (Mn) is related to the increasing chemical activity of Mn oxide in the perovskite by the Sr substitution for La. The wettability of the metal/oxide interface in the anode cermet (Ni/ZrO₂–Y₂O₃) has been found to be influenced by chemical reactions resulting from the applied reducing atmosphere with high carbon activity. The disintegration of ZrO₂–Y₂O₃ in contact with molten Ni or Ni-Ti and Ni-Cr alloys leads to the redeposition of Y₂O₃-enriched oxides and also to Zr-rich intermetallic compounds and eutectics.     

Prediction of infiltrated solid oxide fuel cell cathode polarization resistance

The polarization resistance of La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O_3?δ (LSCF)-infiltrated Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_1.95 cathodes was quantitatively explained using a simple model where the resistance scaled directly with the LSCF surface area, as estimated from cross-sectional fracture surfaces. The Tanner, Fung, Virkar composite cathode model was also applied and showed that ionic transport in these 25-μm-thick cathodes was not a significant limitation at 600 °C, but became more limiting at 700 °C. Calculated polarization resistances were within ～40% (without fitting parameters) of reported values.     

EPMA of interfaces applied to the solid oxide fuel cell

Chemical interactions at the phase boundaries of materials applied for the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) have been studied by EPMA. The chemical reactivity at the interface of La(y-x)Sr(x)MnO(3)/ZrO(2)-Y(2)O(3) is dependent on the stoichiometry (y) and the Sr content (x) of the perovskite. Typical reaction products (zirconates) and a diffusion zone in the ZrO(2)-Y(2)O(3) have been observed. The extension of cation release (Mn) is related to the increasing chemical activity of Mn oxide in the perovskite by the Sr substitution for La. The wettability of the metal/oxide interface in the anode cermet (Ni/ZrO(2)-Y(2)O(3)) has been found to be influenced by chemical reactions resulting from the applied reducing atmosphere with high carbon activity. The disintegration of ZrO(2)-Y(2)O(3) in contact with molten Ni or Ni-Ti and Ni-Cr alloys leads to the redeposition of Y(2)O(3)-enriched oxides and also to Zr-rich intermetallic compounds and eutectics.