Copper coated nickel foam as current collector for H2S-containing syngas solid oxide fuel cells

Copper coated nickel foam with Cu/Ni ratio of 2.5 was fabricated using electrochemical plating and characterized using XRD, SEM, EDS and Van der Pauw four point conductivity measurements. Copper coated nickel foam exhibited good stability of electronic conductivity and mechanical strength during more than 150 h exposure to 500 ppm H2S-containing syngas at 750 °C. In contrast, uncoated nickel foam readily underwent severe carbon deposition and brittle fracture resulting in dramatic increase of electronic resistance under the same testing conditions. Copper coated nickel foam is a promising current collector for H2S-containing syngas solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).

► Electrodeposition is a simple and effective method to form protective coating on Ni foam. ► Exposure to syngas and H2S-syngas on uncoated Ni foam caused an increase in resistance and embrittlement. ► Cu-coated Ni foam showed a durable and steady resistance and did not show any destruction of the structure after exposure to H2S-containing syngas. ► Cu coated Ni foam is a promising current collector for SOFC and further investigations are in progress.