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Investigation of Ni-based alloy/CGO electro-catalysts as protective layer for a solid oxide fuel cell anode fed with ethanol

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Abstract

Ni-based alloys were prepared by using the oxalate method and subsequent in-situ reduction. The crystallographic phase and microstructure of the catalysts were investigated. These bimetallic alloys were mixed with gadolinium-doped ceria in order to obtain a composite material with mixed electronic-ionic conductivity. Catalytic and electrocatalytic properties of the composite materials for the conversion of ethanol were investigated. Electrochemical tests were carried out by utilizing the Ni-based alloy/CGO cermet as a barrier layer in a conventional anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). A comparative study between the modified cells and a conventional anode-supported SOFC without the protective layer was made. The aim was to efficiently convert the fuel directly into electricity or syngas (H2 and CO) just before the conventional anode support. In accordance with the ex-situ catalytic tests, the SOFC anode modified with Ni–Co/CGO showed superior performance towards the direct utilization of dry ethanol than the bare anode and that modified with Ni–Cu/CGO. A peak power of 550 mW cm−2 was achieved with the dry ethanol-fed Ni–Co/CGO pre-layer modified-cell at 800 °C. A total low frequency resistance of <0.5 Ω cm2 at 0.8 V of cell voltage was recorded in the presence of ethanol directly fed to the SOFC.

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Acknowledgments

The present work was in part carried out in the framework of the Research Program promoted by the Brazialian “Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico“entitled “Ciência sem Fronteiras” processo no 402180/2012-7. S. C. Zignani wants to thank CNPq for post-doctoral fellowship awarded under the reference number (CNPq Proc. 238319/2012-1). R. M. Reis wants to thank FAPESP agency for post-doctoral fellowship (FAPESP Proc. 2014/04100-2). The authors acknowledge the Italian Ministry of Research and Education for the financial support of the BIOITSOFC project within the program “PROGRAMMI DI RICERCA SCIENTIFICA DI RILEVANTE INTERESSE NAZIONALE- PRIN PROGRAMMA DI RICERCA - Anno 2010–2011 - prot. 2010KHLKFC”.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Research Council - Institute of Advanced Energy Technologies (CNR-ITAE), Via Salita S. Lucia sopra Contesse 5, 98126, Messina, Italy

    M. Lo Faro, S. C. Zignani, S. Trocino & A. S. Aricò

  2. USP-IQSC, Av. Trab. São-carlense, 400, São Carlos, SP, CEP 13560-970, Brazil

    R. M. Reis, G. G. A. Saglietti & E. A. Ticianelli

  3. University “Mediterranea” of Reggio Calabria, Loc. Feo di Vito, 89100, Reggio Calabria, Italy

    P. Frontera & P. L. Antonucci

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  1. M. Lo Faro
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  2. R. M. Reis
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  3. G. G. A. Saglietti
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  4. S. C. Zignani
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  5. S. Trocino
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  6. P. Frontera
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  7. P. L. Antonucci
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  8. E. A. Ticianelli
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  9. A. S. Aricò
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Correspondence to M. Lo Faro.

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Lo Faro, M., Reis, R.M., Saglietti, G.G.A. et al. Investigation of Ni-based alloy/CGO electro-catalysts as protective layer for a solid oxide fuel cell anode fed with ethanol. J Appl Electrochem 45, 647–656 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-015-0849-5

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