Exsolved NiRu bimetallic nanoparticles induced by Ru doping in LaBaMn1.6Ni0.3Ru0.1O5+δ as a coking resistant anode catalyst layer for direct-methane solid oxide fuel cells.

Due to its abundant resources and advantages in transportation and storage, methane fueled solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are highly needed. In this work, an exceptional internal reforming catalyst comprising in-situ exsolved NiRu bimetallic nanoparticles and oxygen-deficient layered double perovskite LaBaMn 1.6 Ni 0.3 Ru 0.1 O 5+δ (r-LBMNR) was prepared. Compared to the cell with LaBaMn 1.6 Ni 0.4 O 5+δ (r-LBMN) catalyst, the cell with a Ru-doping r-LBMNR catalyst layer, exhibits superior peak power output of 336 mW cm−2 and better durability with a less decay rate of 0.014% per hour in CH 4 fuel. The enhanced electrochemical performance can be attributed to the high oxygen ion and electron conductivities of the catalyst and the coupling of Ni and Ru sites with the oxygen-deficient r-LBMNR matrix This coupling activates CH 4 and H 2 O, promotes the oxidation of C atoms in CH 4 molecules, and enables reversible hydrogen spillover, ultimately leading to the production syngas of CO(g) and H 2 (g). [Display omitted] • Trace Ru-doping facilitating the exsolution of nanoparticles. • LaBaMn 1.6 Ni 0.3 Ru 0.1 O 5+δ was modified with abundant O v and exsolved NiRu alloy. • Cell can operate stably over 220 h with a degradation rate of 0.014% h−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]