Development of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Operated at Intermediate Temperature for Direct Utilization of Dimethylether Fuel - Investigation of Anode Catalysts

We have developed the intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with a proton conducting oxide BaCe0.8Y0.2O3-d(BCY20) as the electrolyte for direct utilization of dimethyl ether (DME) fuel. In present study, we tried to improve the cell performance of the SOFC with using Fe as a catalyst for the anode. The maximum power density of the SOFC (DME+H2O, Fe|BCY20|Pt, dry air) was 44mW•cm-2 at 600{degree sign}C. The SOFC was able to perform at even 500{degree sign}C. Consequently, direct DME SOFC performance is substantially enhanced at temperatures 500{degree sign}C - 600{degree sign}C by use of Fe as anode catalyst.