High-performance and robust operation of anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells in mixed-gas atmosphere

We demonstrate the high-performance and robust operation of anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells under a mixed-gas atmosphere applying a novel cell structure and characterization method, useful for minimizing the conventional problems of mixed-gas operation with anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells. To achieve the exothermic methane (CH₄) partial oxidation and sufficient difference in oxygen partial pressure even in mixed-gas mode, a composite of metallic rhodium and cerium dioxide (CeO₂) was chosen as the optimized reforming and oxygen barrier layer after the comprehensive catalytic experiment. We also obtained increased cell operation reliability through the combination of anode pre-reduction, an optimized material system, and a customized characterization jig (including cathode-ahead layout and impinging jet flow). According to the cell test at 600°C under a feeding gas of CH₄ and O₂, an open-circuit voltage and maximum power density of 0.916V and 0.422W/cm², respectively, were successfully achieved.