Improving electrochemical performance of (Cu, Sm)CeO₂ anode with anchored Cu nanoparticles for direct utilization of natural gas in solid oxide fuel cells

Development of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode with high resistance to coking and sulfur poisoning is highly desirable for the direct application of natural gas in SOFC. Herein, a (Cu, Sm)CeO2 anode with anchored Cu nanoparticles has been prepared. Most of Cu nanoparticles particle size ranges from 20 to 50 nm, which can increase the conductivity and catalytic activity of the anode. The Cu/CSCO10 supported cell exhibits a maximum power density of 404.6 mW/cm2 at 600 ⁰C when dry methane is used as fuel while its ohmic resistance is only 0.39 Ω·cm2. The single SOFC shows good stability when H2S content in the fuel is less than 150 ppm. Up to 900 hours of continuous stable operation with simulated natural gas and commercial natural gas as fuel prove the advantages and application potential of this anode.