Oxidation of carbon deposits on anode material Ni–YSZ in solid oxide fuel cells

摘要: Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are electrochemical devices that convert the chemical energy of fuels directly into electricity with high conversion efficiency. A major advantage SOFC systems compared to low-temperature is SOFCs can use humidified hydrocarbons as fuel. However, may lead an undesirable carbon deposition oxidized at anode side in SOFCs. Such deposits on nickel–yttrium stabilized zirconia (Ni–YSZ) material most probable mode deactivation Therefore, commercially available NiO–YSZ for high-temperature was activated by a temperature-programmed reduction hydrogen atmosphere. In next step, deliberately deposited reduced samples isothermal methane–argon The were then burned off oxidation (TPO) oxygen–argon atmosphere different heating rates using thermo-analytical equipment. TPO followed TG, DTG, DTA and QMS measurements. easiest way distinguish among various types follow curves. obtained curves processed Netzsch Peak Separation software order extract several peaks corresponding forms deposits. It found amorphous low relatively temperatures (up 650 °C), fibrous up 750 °C, graphite out 830 °C finally, diluted nickel leaves system 900–1000 °C range, depending oxidizing conditions. isoconversional method used calculate activation energies processes. absolute values increase from via graphite.