Performance and durability of a layered proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell fueled by the dry reforming of methane

Catalyst layers derived from La2NiO4, LaNiO3 and Ni/La2O3 precursors were applied to a conventional Ni-based anode in a proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell (H+-SOFC) for the dry reforming of methane with CO2. The phase structures, microstructures and catalytic activities of catalysts from the different precursors were systematically investigated. The cell performance and durability of a H+-SOFC with a catalyst layer (layered H+-SOFC) were examined. The layered H+-SOFC had higher cell performances than the conventional H+-SOFC. However, catalyst deactivation and degradation of the cell performance were observed as carbon deposition occurred on the catalyst layer due to CO disproportionation in exhaust gas at a high partial pressure of CO. The structure of carbon deposited on the catalysts was also investigated.