Evaluation of Ni and Ni–Ce0.8Sm0.2O2−δ (SDC) impregnated 430L anodes for metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells

•Ni and Ni–SDC impregnated 430L anodes for MS-SOFCs are evaluated.•Polarization resistance of the Ni–SDC-430L anode is only 0.12 Ω cm2 at 650 °C.•A 1200 h durability test is applied for the Ni–SDC-430L anode.•The pre-coarsening process and the SDC introduction can enhance the anode stability.

Ni impregnated 430L anodes used for metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells are prepared and evaluated. The effects of catalysts loadings and heat treatment temperatures on the anode polarization resistances are investigated. The stabilities of the Ni impregnated 430L anodes are also measured and increasing the calcination temperature can enable a much more stable anode performance. Furthermore, by applying the Ni–Ce0.8Sm0.2O2−δ (SDC) impregnated 430L composite anode, a low polarization resistance of 0.12 Ω cm2 at 650 °C is obtained. The 1200 h durability test shows that the polarization resistance of the composite anode increases from 0.12 Ω cm2 to 0.3 Ω cm2 during the initial 500 h while no degradation is found during the subsequent measurement.