Pd-doped perovskite-based SOFC anodes for biogas

Highly performing perovskite-based anodes for methane mixtures-fueled solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) are proposed. Catalytic activities of La0.6Sr0.4Fe1-xPdxO3-δ (LSFPd) with x = 0.05, 0.1 toward dry reforming of methane (DMR) and partial oxidation of methane (POM) reactions are investigated. The addition of (30wt%) Ce0.85Gd0.15O2-δ (GDC) and of (30wt%) Ni(5wt%)-GDC to the perovskite compounds was evaluated to enhance both electrocatalytic and electrochemical properties. Electrolyte-supported cells based on La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ (LSGM) pellets and LSFPd perovskite oxides at both electrodes are fabricated and tested using CH4, CH4/Ar and CH4/CO2 mixtures in the 750–850°C temperature range. Fuel cell tests using anodic mixtures such as LSFPd/GDC and LSFPd/Ni-GDC are also performed. A discussion based on the comparison between catalytic and electrochemical results and on the possible reforming and/or oxidation reactions taking place at the anode is detailed.