Low Ni-Containing Anodes Using Titanate-Based Perovskites for Methane Direct Internal Reforming Power Generation

Abstract

In this study titanate-based perovskite anodes containing Ni such as Ni-La x Sr 1-x TiO 3 (LST) have been investigated for direct internal reforming solid oxide fuel cells, which directly utilize hydrocarbons as fuels in the anode. Catalytic activity tests of Nititanate cermets were carried out in methane steam reforming, and Ni-LST exhibited comparable activity to Ni-YSZ (yttria-stabilized zirconia). Moderate power generation performance was observed over Ni-LST prepared by the impregnation method when the Ni content was decreased to 10 wt%, whereas almost no current was attained over Ni-YSZ for the decrease in the Ni content. The 10 wt%Ni-LST anode prepared by the impregnation method exhibited stable power generation characteristics in severe direct internal reforming operation at steam-to-carbon ratio of 0.1 at 1000ºC under a constant current load of 200 mA cm −2 .