LaCrO3–VO x –YSZ anode material for solid oxide fuel cells operating on H2S-containing syngas

The perovskite type lanthanum chromite LaCrO₃ has been synthesized by nitrate-citrate combustion method. Phase transformations have been studied by using simultaneous differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The bulk structure of LaCrO₃ as well as the catalyst have been examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD). The cell was made using LaCrO₃–VO _x –YSZ anode. Impedance measurements showed that the polarization resistance was much smaller when the fuel changed from pure H₂ to 5000 ppm H₂S balance H₂. The performance for 5000 ppm H₂S balance H₂ was much better than with pure H₂ as a result of a lower polarization resistance. At 900 °C the maximum power density was 463 mW cm⁻² when using H₂S-containing H₂ as fuel. The presence of H₂S in the syngas significantly decreased the polarization resistance and improved the fuel cell performance. At 900 °C the achieved power density was 214 mW cm⁻² for H₂S (5000 ppm)-containing syngas (40% CO + 60% H₂).