Methanol as a direct fuel in intermediate temperature (500–600∘C) solid oxide fuel cells with copper based anodes

Various Cu-based anodes have been evaluated for use in intermediate temperature (500–600∘C) solid oxide fuel cells operating on methanol fuel. A range of Cu–CGO cermets prepared by conventional powder/slurry routes were investigated by varying the composition, source materials and sintering temperature. These anodes were adherent to the electrolyte when reduced in H2H2 but were found to be unstable during operation in dry methanol, leading to delamination of the anode from the electrolyte. CeO2CeO2 impregnated Cu electrodes were found to be resistant to delamination, act as methanol decomposition catalysts and displayed reasonable performance when running on dry methanol, with no sign of coke formation. However, these anodes undergo sintering when operating at 600∘C, leading to loss of methanol decomposition catalytic activity and an increase in the area specific resistance for hydrogen electrooxidation.