Novel copper-based anodes for solid oxide fuel cells with samaria-doped ceria electrolyte

A novel copper-based anode for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells was prepared through the conventional ceramic technology and using CuO and SDC (Ce_0.8Sm_0.2O_1.9) powders with controlled particle size. The new Cu–SDC anode also contained highly dispersed CeO₂ and Ni particles to increase its surface area and fuel cell performance. The specific surface area of the Cu–SDC bare anode, CeO₂ and Ni-dispersed phases were estimated to be 1.53, 39.4 and 86.4 m² g⁻¹, respectively. Solid oxide fuel cells having the new anode were tested for both humid hydrogen and methane. Power densities of ca. 250 mW cm⁻² were achieved in H₂ at 600 °C and in CH₄ 700 °C, even if the SDC–electrolyte supporting membrane was 250-μm thick. Short term stability tests (maximum 64 h) showed an initial impairment, but not dramatic, of the new anode performance and the formation of carbon deposits. The addition of MoO_x to the new anode did not prevent the formation of carbon deposits.