Nanofiber Composites as Highly Active and Robust Anodes for Direct-Hydrocarbon Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Direct utilization of methane in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is crucial for efficient electricity generation.
• Commercialization is limited by poor electrode activity and longevity due to carbon deposition (coking).
• Novel electrode structures are needed to enhance tolerance against coking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel electrode structure for direct-methane SOFCs with improved activity and coking resistance.
• To investigate the performance of core-shell nanofiber anodes for SOFC applications.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of La_0.75Sr_0.25Cr_0.5Mn_0.5O₃@Sm_0.2Ce_0.8O_1.9 (LSCM@SDC) core-shell nanofibers using single-nozzle electrospinning with immiscible polymers.
• Characterization of the electrode structure and electrochemical performance.

Main Results:

• The LSCM@SDC core-shell nanofibers exhibited enhanced active reaction sites and improved resistance to carbon deposition and thermal aggregation.
• Achieved exceptionally low electrode polarization resistance (∼0.11 Ω cm² in wet H₂ at 800 °C).
• Demonstrated superior performance compared to existing LSCM derivatives.

Conclusions:

• The developed LSCM@SDC core-shell nanofiber anodes offer a promising solution for direct-methane SOFCs.
• The facile fabrication process is attractive for designing advanced electrodes for SOFCs and other solid-state devices.
• This work significantly advances the potential for commercializing high-efficiency direct-methane SOFC technology.