Development, Fabrication and Testing of Perovskite-Based Anodes for Tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

This paper provides initial results for our development and analysis of perovskite-based anode materials, with comparisons made to more-conventional Ni-YSZ anodes. Experimental techniques include X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, DC-conductivity, gas-transport and internal-reforming chemistry, and open circuit voltage testing. Phase-stability during processing is demonstrated using XRD and SEM techniques. Internal reforming of the LSCM anode is found to be significantly lower than that of conventional Ni-YSZ materials. While the electronic conductivity of the perovskite anodes is also found to be significantly lower than Ni-YSZ, the conductivity of strontium-doped lanthanum titanate is found to be acceptable for SOFC operational requirements. Open circuit voltage of full cells with SLT-based cathodes is less than theoretical OCV; however, OCV is found to increase dramatically with cell temperature. This suggests that a catalyst may be necessary, and ceria catalyst impregnation techniques have been demonstrated. Results are used to guide design of future perovskite-based anodes.