Electrochemical investigation of Ni-based alloys/CGO composite catalysts as protective layer for a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell anode fed with biofuel

Ni-based alloys were prepared by using the oxalate method and subsequent in-situ reduction. The crystallographic phase and microstructure of the catalysts were investigated. These bimetallic alloys were mixed with gadolinium-doped ceria in order to obtain a composite material with mixed electronic-ionic conductivity. Catalytic and electrocatalytic properties of the composite materials for the conversion of simulated biofuel were investigated. Electrochemical tests were carried out by utilizing the Ni-based alloys/CGO cermet as a barrier layer in a conventional anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell. The aim was to efficiently convert the stream of biofuel into useful fuels such as H2 and CO just before the conventional anode support. A comparative study between the modified cells and a conventional anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell without the protective layer was made.