Operation of low-temperature SOFCs on pure methane and ethane without carbon deposition

The feasibility of direct electrochemical oxidation of methane and ethane without carbon deposition was demonstrated at novel low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Power densities up to 0.37 W/cm(3) at 650 degrees C were measured for single cells operating with pure methane as the fuel acid atmospheric-pressure air as the oxidant. The measured power densities were competitive with fuel cells operated on hydrogen. Key factors for successful methane operation were the low operating temperatures and the incorporation of (Y2O3)(0.15)(CeO2)(0.85) - YDC in the Ni-based anodes. In addition, it was found that reducing the anode Ni content enabled carbon-free operation with ethane fuel at 500 degrees C.