Characterization of Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.7In0.1Fe0.2O3−δ as the Cathode Material for Proton‐conducting SOFCs

Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.7In_0.1Fe_0.2O_3−δ powders are successfully synthesized as the cathode materials for proton‐conducting solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The prepared cells consisting of the structure of a BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3−δ (BZCY7)‐NiO anode substrate, a BZCY7 electrolyte membrane and a cathode layer, are measured from 600 to 700 °C with humidified hydrogen (ca. 3% H₂O) as the fuel. The electrochemical results show that the cell exhibits a high power density which could obtain an open‐circuit potential of 0.986 V and a maximum power density of 400.84 mW cm⁻² at 700 °C. The polarization resistance measured at the open‐circuit condition is only 0.15 Ω cm² at 700 °C.     

Pr Doped Barium Cerate as the Cathode Material for Proton‐Conducting SOFCs

BaCe_0.8Pr_0.2O₃ (BCP20) and BaCe_0.6Pr_0.4O₃ (BCP40) powders are successfully synthesized through the Pechini method and used as the cathode materials for proton‐conducting solid state oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The prepared cells consisting of the structure of a BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3–δ (BZCY7)‐NiO anode substrate, a BZCY7 anode functional layer, a BZCY7 electrolyte membrane, and a cathode layer, are measured from 600 to 700 °C with humidified hydrogen (∼3% H₂O) as the fuel and static air as the oxidant. The electricity results show that the cell with BCP40 cathode has a higher power density, which could obtain an open‐circuit potential of 0.99 V and a maximum power density of 378 mW cm^–2 at 700 °C. The polarization resistance measured at the open‐circuit condition of BCP40 is only 0.16 Ω cm² at 700 °C, which was less than BCP20.     

Fabrication of BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3 – δ ‐Based Proton‐Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Co‐Fired at 1,150 °C

Dense proton‐conducting BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_{3 – δ} (BZCY) electrolyte membranes were successfully fabricated on NiO–BZCY anode substrates at a low temperature of 1,150 °C via a combined co‐press and co‐firing process. To fabricate full cells, the LaSr₃Co_1.5Fe_1.5O_{10 – δ}–BZCY composite cathode layer was fixed to the electrolyte membrane by two means of one‐step co‐firing and two‐step co‐firing, respectively. The SEM results revealed that the cathode layer bonded more closely to the electrolyte membrane via the one‐step co‐firing process. Correspondingly, determined from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measured under open current conditions, the electrode polarisation and Ohmic resistances of the one‐step co‐fired cell were dramatically lower than the other one for its excellent interface adhesion. With humidified hydrogen (2% H₂O) as the fuel and static air as the oxidant, the maximum power density of the one‐step co‐fired single cell achieved 328 mW cm^–2 at 700 °C, showing a much better performance than that of the two‐step co‐fired single cell, which was 264 mW cm^–2 at 700 °C.     

Electrochemical Performance of Cobalt‐free Nd0.5Ba0.5Fe1–xNixO3–δ Cathode Materials for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

A new series of cobalt‐free perovskite‐type oxides, Nd_0.5Ba_0.5Fe_1–xNi_xO_3–δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15), have been prepared by a citric acid‐nitrate process and investigated as cathode materials for proton conducting intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFCs). The conductivity of the oxides was measured at 300–800 °C in air. It is discovered that partial substitution of Ni for Fe‐sites in Nd_0.5Ba_0.5Fe_1–xNi_xO_3–δ obviously enhances the conductivity of the oxides. Among the series of oxides, the Nd_0.5Ba_0.5Fe_0.9Ni_0.1O_3–δ (NBFNi10) exhibits the highest conductivity of 140 S cm⁻¹ in air at 550 °C. A single H₂/air fuel cell with proton‐conducting BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3–δ (BZCY) electrolyte membrane (ca. 40 μm thickness) and NBFNi10‐BZCY composite cathode and NiO‐BZCY composite anode was fabricated and tested at 600–700 °C. The peak power density and the interfacial polarization resistance (R_p) of the cell are 490 mW cm⁻² and 0.15 Ω cm² at 700 °C, respectively. The experimental results indicate that NBFNi10 is a promising cathode material for the proton‐conducting IT‐SOFCs.     

A Performance Study of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells With BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3–δ Electrolyte Developed by Spray‐Modified Pressing Method

Fuel cells with BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3–δ (BZCY) proton‐conducting electrolyte is fabricated using spray‐modified pressing method. In the present study the spray‐modified pressing technology is developed to prepare thin electrolyte layers on porous Ni‐BZCY anode supports. SEM data show the BZCY electrolyte film is uniform and dense, well‐bonded with the anode substrate. An anode‐supported fuel cell with BZCY electrolyte and Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3–δ (BSCF) cathode is characterized from 600 to 700 °C using hydrogen as fuel and ambient air as oxidant. Maximum power density of 536 mW cm^–2 along with a 1.01 V OCV at 700 °C is obtained. Impedance spectra show that Ohmic resistances contribute minor parts to the total ones, for instance, only ~23% when operating at 600 °C. The results demonstrate that spray‐modified pressing technology offers a simple and effective way to fabricate quality electrolyte film suitable to operate in intermediate temperature.     

Tailoring Electrochemical Property of Layered Perovskite Cathode by Cu‐doping for Proton‐Conducting IT‐SOFCs

Layered perovskite oxide YBaCuCoO_5+x (YBCC) was synthesized by an EDTA‐citrate complexation process and was investigated as a novel cathode for proton‐conducting intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFCs). The thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) of YBCC was 15.3 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ and the electrical conductivity presented a semiconductor‐like behavior with the maximum value of 93.03 Scm⁻¹ at 800 °C. Based on the defect chemistry analysis, the electrical conductivity gradually decreases by the introduction of Cu into Co sites of YBaCo₂O_5+x and the conductor mechanism can transform from the metallic‐like behavior to the semiconductor‐like behavior. Thin proton‐conducting (BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.1Yb_0.1O_3–δ) BZCYYb electrolyte and NiO–BZCYYb anode functional layer were prepared over porous anode substrates composed of NiO–BZCYYb by a one‐step dry‐pressing/co‐firing process. Laboratory‐sized quad‐layer cells of NiO‐BZCYYb / NiO‐BZCYYb / BZCYYb / YBCC with a 20 μm‐thick BZCYYb electrolyte membrane exhibited the maximum power density as high as 435 mW cm⁻² with an open‐circuit potential (OCV) of 0.99 V and a low interfacial polarization resistance of 0.151 Ωcm² at 700 °C. The experimental results have indicated that the layered perovskite oxide YBCC can be a cathode candidate for utilization as proton‐conducting IT‐SOFCs.     

Fabrication of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with a Thin (La0.9Sr0.1)0.98(Ga0.8Mg0.2)O3–δ Electrolyte on a Sr0.8La0.2TiO3 Support

This paper describes Sr_0.8La_0.2TiO₃ (SLT)‐supported solid oxide fuel cells with a thin (La_0.9Sr_0.1)_0.98Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O_3–δ (LSGM) electrolyte and porous LSGM anode functional layer (AFL). Optimized processing for the SLT support bisque firing, LSGM electrolyte layer co‐firing, and LSGM AFL colloidal composition is presented. Cells without a functional layer yielded a power density of 228 mW cm^–2 at 650 °C, while cells with a porous LSGM functional layer yielded a power density of 434 mW cm^–2 at 650 °C. Cells with an AFL yielded a higher open circuit voltage, possibly due to reduced Ti diffusion into the electrolyte. Infiltration produced Ni nanoparticles within the support and AFL, which proved crucial for the electrochemical activity of the anode. Power densities increased with increasing Ni loadings, reaching 514 mW cm^–2 at 650 °C for 5.1 vol.% Ni loading. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy analysis indicated that the cell resistance was dominated by the cathode and electrolyte resistance with the anode resistance being relatively small.     

Fabrication and Characterization of Anode‐Supported Low‐Temperature SOFC Based on Gd‐Doped Ceria Electrolyte

Large‐size, 9.5 cm × 9.5 cm, Ni‐Gd_0.1Ce_0.9O_1.95 (Ni‐GDC) anode‐supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) has been successfully fabricated with NiO‐GDC anode substrate prepared by tape casting method and thin‐film GDC electrolyte fabricated by screen‐printing method. Influence of the sintering shrinkage behavior of NiO‐GDC anode substrate on the densification of thin GDC electrolyte film and on the flatness of the co‐sintered electrolyte/anode bi‐layer was studied. The increase in the pore‐former content in the anode substrate improved the densification of GDC electrolyte film. Pre‐sintering temperature of the anode substrate was optimized to obtain a homogeneous electrolyte film, significantly reducing the mismatch between the electrolyte and anode substrate and improving the electrolyte quality. Dense GDC electrolyte film and flat electrolyte/anode bi‐layer can be fabricated by adding 10 wt.% of pore‐former into the composite anode and pre‐sintering it at 1,100 °C for 2 h. Composite cathode, La_0.6Sr_0.4Fe_0.8Co_0.2O₃, and GDC (LSCF‐GDC), was screen‐printed on the as‐prepared electrolyte surface and sintered to form a complete single cell. The maximum power density of the single cell reached 497 mW cm^–2 at 600 °C and 953 mW cm^–2 at 650 °C with hydrogen as fuel and air as oxidant.     

Comparison Between Anode‐Supported and Electrolyte‐Supported Ni‐CGO‐LSCF Micro‐tubular Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Two types of micro‐tubular hollow fiber SOFCs (MT‐HF‐SOFCs) were prepared using phase inversion and sintering; electrolyte‐supported, based on highly asymmetric Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_1.95(CGO) HFs and anode‐supported based on co‐extruded NiO‐CGO(CGO)/CGO HFs. Electroless plating was used to deposit Ni onto the inner surfaces of the electrolyte‐supported MT‐HF‐SOFCs to form Ni‐CGO anodes. LSCF‐CGO cathodes were deposited on the outer surface of both these MT‐HF‐SOFCs before their electrochemical performances were compared at similar operating conditions. The performance of the anode‐supported MT‐HF‐SOFCs which delivered ca. 480 mW cm^–2 at 600 °C was superior to the electrolyte‐supported MT‐HF‐SOFCs which delivered ca. six times lower power. The contribution of ohmic and electrode polarization losses of both FCs was investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The electrolyte‐supported MT‐HF‐SOFCs had significantly higher ohmic and electrode polarization ASR values; this has been attributed to the thicker electrolyte and the difficulties associated with forming quality anodes inside the small (<1 mm) lumen of the electrolyte tubes. Further development on co‐extruded anode‐supported MT‐HF‐SOFCs led to the fabrication of a thinner electrolyte layer and improved electrode microstructures which delivered a world leading 2,400 mW cm^–2. The newly made cell was investigated at different H₂ flow rates and the effect of fuel utilization on current densities was analyzed.     

A novel BaCe0.5Fe0.3Bi0.2O3–δ perovskite-type cathode for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells

A perovskite-type BaCe_0.5Fe_0.3Bi_0.2O_3-δ (BCFB) was employed as a novel cathode material for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The single cells with the structure of NiO-BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3-δ (BZCY7) anode substrate|NiO-BZCY7 anode functional layer|BZCY7 electrolyte membrane|BCFB cathode layer were fabricated by a dry-pressing method and investigated from 550 to 700 °C with humidified hydrogen (~3% H₂O) as the fuel and the static air as the oxidant. The low interfacial polarization resistance of 0.098 Ω cm² and the maximum power density of 736 mW cm⁻² are achieved at 700 °C. The excellent electrochemical performance indicates that BCFB may be a promising cathode material for proton-conducting SOFCs.     

Performance of Cobalt‐free La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.9Ni0.1O3–δ Cathode Material for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

A series of cobalt‐free perovskite‐type cathode materials La_0.6Sr_0.4Fe_1–xNi_xO_3–δ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFCs) are prepared by a citric‐nitrate process. The conductivities of the cathode materials are measured as functions of temperature (300–800 °C) in air by AC impedance method, and the La_0.6Sr_0.4Fe_0.9Ni_0.1O_3–δ (LSFN10) has the highest conductivity to be 160 S cm^–1 at 400 °C. A single IT‐SOFC based on LSFN10 cathode, BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3–δ electrolyte membrane and Ni–BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3–δ anode substrate was fabricated by a simple spin‐coating process, and the performances of the cell using hydrogen as fuel and air as the oxidant were researched by electrochemical methods at 600–700 °C. The maximum power densities of the cell are 405 mW cm^–2 at 700 °C, 238 mW cm^–2 at 650 °C, and 140 mW cm^–2 at 600 °C, respectively. The results indicate that the LSFN10 is a promising cathode material for proton conducting IT‐SOFCs.     

Design of BaZr0.8Y0.2O3–δ Protonic Conductor to Improve the Electrochemical Performance in Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (IT‐SOFCs)

BaZr_0.8Y_0.2O_3–δ, (BZY), a protonic conductor candidate as an electrolyte for intermediate temperature (500–700 °C) solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFCs), was prepared using a sol–gel technique to control stoichiometry and microstructural properties. Several synthetic parameters were investigated: the metal cation precursors were dissolved in two solvents (water and ethylene glycol), and different molar ratios of citric acid with respect to the total metal content were used. A single phase was obtained at a temperature as low as 1,100 °C. The powders were sintered between 1,450 and 1,600 °C. The phase composition of the resulting specimens was investigated using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Microstructural characterisation was performed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM). Chemical stability of the BZY oxide was evaluated upon exposure to CO₂ for 3 h at 900 °C, and BZY showed no degradation in the testing conditions. Fuel cell polarisation curves on symmetric Pt/BZY/Pt cells of different thicknesses were measured at 500–700 °C. Improvements in the electrochemical performance were obtained using alternative materials for electrodes, such as NiO‐BZY cermet and LSCF (La_0.8Sr_0.2Co_0.8Fe_0.2O₃), and reducing the thickness of the BZY electrolyte, reaching a maximum value of power density of 7.0 mW cm^–2 at 700 °C.     

Electrochemical Performance of a Ni and YSZ Composite Synthesised by Ultrasonic Spray Pyrolysis as an Anode for SOFCs

The electrochemical performance of an anode material for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) depends highly on microstructure in addition to composition. In this study, a NiO–yttria‐stabilised zirconia (NiO–YSZ) composite with a highly dispersed microstructure and large pore volume/surface area has been synthesised by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP) and its electrochemical characteristics has been investigated. For comparison, the electrochemical performance of a conventional NiO–YSZ is also evaluated. The power density of the zirconia electrolyte‐supported SOFC with the synthesised anode is ∼392 mW cm^–2 at 900 °C and that of the SOFC with the conventional NiO–YSZ anode is ∼315 mW cm^–2. The improvement is ∼24%. This result demonstrates that the synthesised NiO–YSZ is a potential alternative anode material for SOFCs fabricated with a zirconia solid electrolyte.     

Optimisation and Evaluation of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 – δ Cathode for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

In this work, La_0.6Sr_0.4CoO_{3 – δ}/Ce_{1 – x}Gd_xO_{2 – δ} (LSC/GDC) composite cathodes are investigated for SOFC application at intermediate temperatures, especially below 700 °C. The symmetrical cells are prepared by spraying LSC/GDC composite cathodes on a GDC tape, and the lowest polarisation resistance (R_p) of 0.11 Ω cm² at 700 °C is obtained for the cathode containing 30 wt.‐% GDC. For the application on YSZ electrolyte, symmetrical LSC cathodes are fabricated on a YSZ tape coated on a GDC interlayer. The impact of the sintering temperature on the microstructure and electrochemical properties is investigated. The optimum temperature is determined to be 950 °C; the corresponding R_p of 0.24 Ω cm² at 600 °C and 0.06 Ω cm² at 700 °C are achieved, respectively. An YSZ‐based anode‐supported solid oxide fuel cell is fabricated by employing LSC/GDC composite cathode sintered at 950 °C. The cell with an active electrode area of 4 × 4 cm² exhibits the maximum power density of 0.42 W cm^–2 at 650 °C and 0.54 W cm^–2 at 700 °C. More than 300 h operating at 650 °C is carried out for an estimate of performance and degradation of a single cell. Despite a decline at the beginning, the stable performance during the later term suggests a potential application.     

Performance of IT‐SOFC with Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 Functional Layer at the Interface of Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 Electrolyte and Ni‐Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 Anode

In this paper we present results for a high power density IT‐SOFC and a method for dispersing nanosized Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_1.95 (GDC) particles at the GDC electrolyte and Ni‐GDC anode interface. Dispersed nanosized particles were deposited to form an anode functional layer (AFL). Anode supports were prepared by tape casting of large micron‐sized NiO powder and sub micron‐sized GDC powder without pore former. For the cathode a La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O_{3 – δ} (LSCF)‐GDC composite was used. Without an AFL the open circuit potential (OCP) and the maximum power density were 0.677 V and 407 mW cm^–2, respectively, at 650 °C using 30 sccm of hydrogen and air flow‐rate. With an AFL the OCP and the maximum power density increased to 0.796 V and 994 mW cm^–2, respectively, at the same temperature. Two point probe impedance measurements revealed that the AFL fabricated by the proposed method not only increased the OCP but also reduced the electrode polarisation by 68%. The effect of gas flow‐rate is also present in this paper. When hydrogen and air flow‐rate is increased to 90 sccm, the sample with AFL obtained 1.57 W cm^–2 at 650 °C.     

Performance Evaluation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Thin Film Electrolyte Fabricated by Binder‐Assisted Slurry Casting

A gas‐tight yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolyte film was fabricated on porous NiO–YSZ anode substrates by a binder‐assisted slurry casting technique. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) results showed that the YSZ film was relatively dense with a thickness of 10 μm. La_0.8Sr_0.2MnO₃ (LSM)–YSZ was applied to cathode using a screen‐print technique and the single fuel cells were tested in a temperature range from 600 to 800 °C. An open circuit voltage (OCV) of over 1.0 V was observed. The maximum power densities at 600, 700, and 800 °C were 0.13, 0.44, and 1.1 W cm^–2, respectively.     

A comparative investigation on protonic ceramic fuel cell electrolytes BaZr0.8Y0.2O3-δ and BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3-δ with NiO as sintering aid

Solid oxide fuel cells based on proton-conducting ceramic electrolytes, i.e., protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs), are promising in operating at intermediate to low temperature. BaZr_0.8Y_0.2O_3-δ (BZY) and BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3-δ (BZCY) are two typical electrolyte materials for PCFCs. However, there is still a lack of basis for making a choice between the two materials. In this paper, we present a comparison investigation on practical BZY and BZCY electrolytes with NiO of 2 mol.% as sintering aid. Their crystal structure, sinterability, microstructure, and electrical conductivity in humid air and hydrogen (3% H₂O) are measured and analyzed. Anode-supported PCFCs based on the two electrolyte materials are prepared and their electrochemical performances are tested and analyzed in association with an examination on their microstructure. The results show that both materials can be densified after sintered with NiO aid at 1400 °C for 6h. Ni is doped into the interstitial of BZY while it occupies the B site of perovskite lattice of BZCY. The sintered BZY has small grains and many grain boundaries while BZCY has large grains and much fewer grain boundaries, resulting in lower conductivity of BZY than that of BZCY. A PCFC with BZY electrolyte gives a peak power density of 360 mW cm^?2 at 700 °C, while this value for a PCFC with BZCY is 855 mW cm^?2. Although the performances of BZCY seems much better than those of BZY, a stability test in 10% CO₂-containing Ar at 650 °C shows BZY is stable while BZCY reacts with CO₂ to form BaCO₃ and CeO₂.     

Characteristics of Ba(Zr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2)O3-δ nano-powders synthesized by different wet-chemical methods for solid oxide fuel cells

Ba(Zr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2)O_3-δ nano-particles were prepared by different wet-chemical synthesis, Pechini (BZCY(P)) and co-precipitation (BZCY(C)), respectively. The BZCY(C) powders have a particle size in range of about 50–150 nm, which is smaller than the BZCY(P) powders with about 500–900 nm. Both the BZCY materials show perovskite structures, but there are impurities in the BZCY (P). Moreover, the electrolyte density was higher in the BZCY (C) than the BZCY (P). The single cells with BZCY (C) electrolytes exhibited about 0.23 W cm^?2 at 600 °C and about 0.31 W cm^?2 at the same temperature were obtained when the anode-functional layer was introduced between the anode and electrolyte. Thus, the BZCY prepared by carbonate-derived co-precipitation method can be more favorable for high-purity and dense electrolytes in the solid oxide fuel cells than the BZCY prepared by Pechini method.     

Fabrication and Performance of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with La0.2Sr0.7TiO3–δ as Anode Support and La2NiO4+δ as Cathode

A novel fabrication process for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with La_0.2Sr_0.7TiO_3–δ (LST_A–) as anode support and La₂NiO_4+δ (LNO) as cathode material, which avoids complicated impregnation process, is designed and investigated. The LST_A– anode‐supported half cells are reduced at 1,200 °C in hydrogen atmosphere. Subsequently, the LNO cathode is sintered on the YSZ electrolyte at 1,200 °C in nitrogen atmosphere and then annealed in situ at 850 °C in air. The results of XRD analysis and electrical conductivity measurement indicate that the structure and electrochemical characteristics of LNO appear similar before and after the sintering processes of the cathode. By using La_0.6Sr_0.4CoO_3–δ (LSC) as current collector, the cell with LNO cathode sintered in nitrogen atmosphere exhibits the power density at 0.7 V of 235 mW cm⁻² at 800 °C. The ohmic resistance (R_S) and polarization resistance (R_P) are 0.373 and 0.452 Ω cm², respectively. Compared to that of the cell with the LNO cathode sintered in air, the sintering processes of the cell with the LNO cathode sintered in nitrogen atmosphere can result in better electrochemical performance of the cell mainly due to the decrease in R_S. The microstructures of the cells reveal a good adhesion between each layer.     

Preliminary Study on Direct Operation of LT‐SOFCs Based on GDC Electrolyte Film With DME Fuel

Direct operation of anode‐supported cone‐shaped tubular low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT‐SOFCs) based on gadolinia‐doped ceria (GDC) electrolyte film with dimethyl ether (DME) fuel was preliminarily investigated in this study. The single cell exhibited maximum power densities of 500 and 350 mW cm^–2 at 600 °C using moist hydrogen and DME as fuel, respectively. A durability test of the single NiO‐GDC/GDC/LSCF‐GDC cell was performed at a constant current of 0.1 A directly fuelled with DME for about 200 min at 600 °C. The results indicate that the single cell coking easily directly operated in DME fuel. EDX result shows a clear evidence of carbon deposition in the anode. Further studies are needed to develop the novel anti‐carbon anode materials, relate the carbon deposition with anode microstructure and cell‐operating condition.