Materials for Methane-Fueled SOFC Systems

A short overview of recent work on electroceramic materials relevant to methane-fueled SOFC systems is given. Various fuel feed options are considered, such as pure methane, biogas, and the addition of reforming agents. The principle and implementation into SOFC systems of mixed conducting ceramics for oxygen separation is described, as well as their characterization by electrochemical methods. Ceramic anodes capable of operating with methane-rich fuel injection are presented. The document concludes with electrochemical results on planar anode supported ceramic fuel cells operating at reduced temperature. (Author)