Catalytic modification of Ni–Sm-doped ceria anodes with copper for direct utilization of dry methane in low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

A Cu/Ni/Sm-doped ceria (SDC) anode has been designed for direct utilization of dry methane in low-temperature anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells. The anode is prepared by the impregnation method, whereby a small amount of Cu is incorporated into the previously prepared Ni/SDC porous matrix. After reduction, Cu nanoparticles adhere to and are uniformly distributed on the surface of the Ni/SDC matrix. For the resulting Cu/Ni/SDC anode-supported cell, maximum power density of 317 mW cm−2 is achieved at 600 °C. The power density shows only ∼2% loss after 12-h operation. The results demonstrate that the Cu/Ni/SDC anode effectively suppresses carbon deposition by decreasing the Ni surface area available and the level of carbon monoxide disproportionation. This combination of effects results in very low-power density loss over the operating time.