Preparation and characterization of Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9/Na2CO3 nanocomposite electrolyte for low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

• Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC)/Na2CO3 nanocomposite synthesized by the co-precipitation process has been investigated for the potential electrolyte application in low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The conduction mechanism of the SDC/Na2CO3 nanocomposite has been studied. The performance of 20 mW cm(-2) at 490 degrees C for fuel cell using Na2CO3 as electrolyte has been obtained and the proton conduction mechanism has been proposed. This communication demonstrates the feasibility of direct utilization of methanol in low-temperature SOFCs with the SDC/Na2CO3 nanocomposite electrolyte. A fairly high peak power density of 512 mW cm(-2) at 550 degrees C for fuel cell fueled by methanol has been achieved. Thermodynamical equilibrium composition for the mixture of steam/methanol has been calculated, and no presence of C is predicted over the entire temperature range. The long-term stability test of open circuit voltage (OCV) indicates the SDC/Na2CO3 nanocomposite electrolyte can keep stable and no visual carbon deposition has been observed over the anode surface. Copyright (C) 2011, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Energiteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Energy Engineering (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Solid oxide fuel cells

Nanocomposite

Conductivity

Proton conduction

Sodium carbonate

Mechanical energy engineering

Mekanisk energiteknik

Publikations- och innehållstyp

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