Electrocatalytic investigation of the SOFC internal CH4 dry reforming with Fe-Au modified Ni/GDC
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Date
2025-10-10
Authors
Λεονάρδος, Αθανάσιος
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Abstract
Internal Dry Reforming of Methane (IDRM) in biogas-fed Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) was inves tigated using Ni/GDC electrolyte-supported cells at 900 °C. The aim was to evaluate the performance of Fe–Au modified Ni/GDC and compare with that of unmodified Ni/GDC, combining i-V, Electro chemical Impedance Spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography measurements.
The modification of NiO/GDC with 0.5 wt.% Fe – 1 wt.% Au significantly enhanced electrocatalytic activity for the IDRM reaction. The positive interaction between Fe and Au increased the conductivity of Ni/GDC and improved the charge transfer electrochemical processes. Post-mortem SEM analysis further confirmed the lower oxidation of 0.5Fe–1Au–Ni/GDC, consistent with its improved stability.
The motivation of this work lies in the urgent need for sustainable energy generation and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. SOFCs are key devices, able to directly utilize renewable fuels such as biogas, reducing the fermentation waste and thus avoiding environmental issues. Biogas is an attractive low-cost fuel derived from landfills or anaerobic digesters, while its use prevents uncon trolled CH₄ and CO₂ emissions. Nevertheless, commercialization of SOFCs is hindered by degradation of the cells due to high thermal stresses and risk of carbon deposition. Ni/GDC has emerged as a promising anode material due to its mixed ionic-electronic conductivity and carbon tolerance, but long-term stability remains a challenge. In this context, the Fe–Au modification of NiO/GDC represents a rational approach to enhance electrocatalytic activity and stability. The results highlight both the scientific interest of dopant inter actions in Ni-based electrodes and the applied significance of enabling durable SOFC operation under realistic biogas conditions. The improved stability of the 0.5Fe–1Au–Ni/GDC electrode underlines its potential as an efficient and cost-effective material for next-generation SOFC technologies.
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Σίδηρος, Χρυσός, Καυσίμα στερεού οξειδίου