The carbon tolerance of Ni-YSZ and Sn-impregnated Ni-YSZ cermet anodes in operational electrolyte-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) was examined with in situ vibrational Raman scattering and voltammetry.  Specifically, graphitic carbon was characterized on these anodes when exposed to various gas phase species at high temperature (730�C).  SOFCs were held at open circuit voltage, and anodes were exposed to dry methane and then to an argon feed containing H2O(g), CO2 or O2.  Each additive oxidized the graphite that had accumulated under CH4 exposure. Moreover, O2 exposure led to the complete oxidation of anodic Ni, while H2O and CO2 yielded small but detectable levels of NiO formation.  Carbon removal rates on Ni/YSZ and Sn-Ni/YSZ anodes followed the trend: 3% H2O > 4.1% CO2 > 2.9% O2.  Impregnation of Ni-YSZ anodes with Sn did not significantly influence the rate of carbon formation under methane; however, Sn did impede carbon removal under CO2.

In situ vibrational Raman spectroscopy as an analytical tool for studying the chemistry of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) processes

245th National Meeting (2013)

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