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Ni-based alloys were prepared by using the oxalate method and subsequent in-situ reduction. The crystallographic phase and microstructure of the catalysts were investigated. These bimetallic alloys were mixed with gadolinium-doped ceria in order to obtain a composite material with mixed electronic-ionic conductivity. Catalytic and electrocatalytic properties of the composite materials for the conversion of ethanol were investigated. Electrochemical tests were carried out by utilizing the Nibased alloy/CGO cermet as a barrier layer in a conventional anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). A comparative study between the modified cells and a conventional anode-supported SOFC without the protective layer was made. The aim was to efficiently convert the fuel directly into electricity or syngas (H 2 and CO) just before the conventional anode support. In accordance with the exsitu catalytic tests, the SOFC anode modified with Ni-Co/ CGO showed superior performance towards the direct utilization of dry ethanol than the bare anode and that modified with Ni-Cu/CGO. A peak power of 550 mW cm -2 was achieved with the dry ethanol-fed Ni-Co/CGO pre-layer modified-cell at 800°C. A total low frequency resistance of \0.5 X cm 2 at 0.8 V of cell voltage was recorded in the presence of ethanol directly fed to the SOFC.

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) was developed for the direct utilization of dry glycerol to produce electricity at 800 °C. A state‐of‐art SOFC anode was covered by a thin (<10 μm) electrocatalyst layer based on a Ni‐modified perovskite and ceria. This electrocatalyst layer worked as an internal integrated fuel processor to convert glycerol in syngas. A performance of about 850 mW cm−2 @ 0.6 V was achieved with dry glycerol. A life time test of 160 hrs showed no relevant occurrence of carbon deposits. The developed approach can provide a practical route to achieve effective fuel flexibility in SOFCs.

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