A Direct Ammonia Fuel Cell Using Barium Cerate Proton Conducting Electrolyte Doped With Gadolinium and Praseodymium

The performance characteristics of fuel cells based on proton conducting BaCeO₃ solid electrolyte doubly doped with gadolinium and praseodymium are reported. The amount of praseodymium doping is systematically varied in order to optimize the fuel cell performance. Fuel cells incorporating the optimum amount of praseodymium exhibit power density levels enhanced by a factor of three, compared to those incorporating undoped BaCeO₃. The performance of the fuel cell is essentially the same irrespective of the fuel used. However, the performance of the fuel cell is slightly better in hydrogen than in ammonia. Nevertheless, fuel cells operated in ammonia show a greater decrease in peak power density with decreasing temperature than those operated in hydrogen. This behaviour suggests that alternative anode materials need to be utilized at lower operating temperatures.