Enhanced Activity and Stability of Ni-Based Binary Anode in Direct NH3-Fueled SOFCs

The activity and stability of Ni-based binary alloy anodes for direct ammonia-fueled SOFCs were investigated in the temperature range of 823 to 973 K. It was found that the activities of Ni40-Fe60 and Ni97-Mo3/SDC anodes for ammonia oxidation were higher than Ni/SDC anode at temperature of 823 to 973 K. In addition, the Ni40-Fe60 and Ni97-Mo3/SDC anodes exhibited higher stability in a heat cycle test between 873 and 973 K in ammonia atmosphere than the Ni/SDC anode. It was found that the change in the shape of the metal catalysts induced by the heat cycle was suppressed in the Ni40-Fe60 and Ni97-Mo3/SDC anodes.