Methane conversion reactions over LaNi-YSZ and Ni-YSZ anodes of solid oxide fuel cell

Abstract Methane conversion reactions over the LaNi-YSZ and Ni-YSZ anodes, which involve methane decomposition, H2O and CO2 reforming of methane and electrochemical oxidation of H2, CO, C and CH4, are investigated through electrochemical and catalytic performance measurements. The addition of La to the nickel-based anode results in high activity for methane decomposition to hydrogen and carbon deposits. Carbon deposits on the LaNi-YSZ anode as well as on the Ni-YSZ anode could be removed by H2O and CO2, suggesting high reactivity of carbon deposits. The addition of La to the nickel-based anode also enhances the activity for electrochemical oxidation of hydrogen. On the LaNi-YSZ anode, high catalytic activity for methane reforming supplies enough hydrogen for electrochemical oxidation reaction, while high activity for electrochemical oxidation of hydrogen produces enough H2O for methane reforming. High activity for methane reforming and electrochemical oxidation of hydrogen results in the high performance of methane-fueled cell with LaNi-YSZ anode.