Microstructure and Electrochemical Properties of Ni1-xMgxO-ScSZ Cermet Anodes for Biogas Fueled SOFCs

To enhance catalytic activity for internal reforming of hydrocarbon-fuels, catalyst based on Ni1-xMgxO was prepared. Small particles of Ni, ca. 50-100 nm in size, were formed by the reduction of the mixed oxide, whereas Ni particles formed from NiO easily agglomerated resulting in smaller catalyst area in the cermet anodes. Ni1-xMgxO-ScSZ anode was fabricated and applied to biogas-fueled SOFC. In using Ni0.9Mg0.1O-ScSZ, cell voltages of about 850 and 950 mV for humidified and dry biogases, respectively, were achieved at 900 degrees C in 50 h operation under constant current density of 200 mA cm(-2).