Electrochemical, structural and surface characterization of nickel/zirconia solid oxide fuel cell anodes in coal gas containing antimony

► Interactions of antimony with nickel-zirconia anode are investigated. ► Antimony rapidly poisons nickel due to the formation of a surface adsorption layer. ► During longer exposures antimony forms extensive alteration phases. ► The experimental results are supported by thermochemical modeling. ► Maximum permissible Sb concentrations in gas without significant impact on SOFC are established.