Event Title

Catalytic Activity of Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ Thin Film Anodes with Exsolved Nickel Nanoparticles

Presenter Information

Chris Eckdahl, Oberlin College

Location

Science Center K209

Start Date

10-2-2015 4:30 PM

End Date

10-2-2015 5:50 PM

Abstract

Widespread implementation of efficient and flexible solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) will require lower operating temperatures. These will in turn require higher catalytic activity in the electrodes. CeO2, or ceria, has received attention as a candidate material for use in SOFC anodes due to its unique electrochemical properties and inherent catalytic activity. This activity can be increased by the application of metal nanoparticles. In this study Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ thin film anodes with Ni nanoparticles applied via in situ exsolution were investigated. Solution-based spin-coating fabrication techniques were used. The anodes were investigated using XRD, TEM, and impedance spectroscopy. The Ni nanoparticles were seen to enhance catalytic activity under both H2 and syngas fuels. The material was found to maintain catalytic activity at 650ºC under H2 for 100 hours despite the small size (diameter < 1 nm) of the Ni nanoparticles. It was found that lower annealing temperatures in the fabrication process generally led to higher activity and that samples which received no annealing treatment exhibited the highest activity. This effect is likely due to the smaller grain sizes associated with lower annealing temperatures. This study represents a possible step toward the creation of commercially viable SOFC anodes thanks to the simple fabrication techniques employed and the catalytic activity observed.

Notes

Session III, Panel 8 - METALS: Health & Sustainability

Major

Physics; Chemistry

Project Mentor(s)

Chris Weber and Mark Lonergan, Materials Science Institute, University of Oregon

Document Type

Presentation

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Oct 2nd, 4:30 PM Oct 2nd, 5:50 PM

Catalytic Activity of Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ Thin Film Anodes with Exsolved Nickel Nanoparticles

Science Center K209

Widespread implementation of efficient and flexible solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) will require lower operating temperatures. These will in turn require higher catalytic activity in the electrodes. CeO2, or ceria, has received attention as a candidate material for use in SOFC anodes due to its unique electrochemical properties and inherent catalytic activity. This activity can be increased by the application of metal nanoparticles. In this study Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ thin film anodes with Ni nanoparticles applied via in situ exsolution were investigated. Solution-based spin-coating fabrication techniques were used. The anodes were investigated using XRD, TEM, and impedance spectroscopy. The Ni nanoparticles were seen to enhance catalytic activity under both H2 and syngas fuels. The material was found to maintain catalytic activity at 650ºC under H2 for 100 hours despite the small size (diameter < 1 nm) of the Ni nanoparticles. It was found that lower annealing temperatures in the fabrication process generally led to higher activity and that samples which received no annealing treatment exhibited the highest activity. This effect is likely due to the smaller grain sizes associated with lower annealing temperatures. This study represents a possible step toward the creation of commercially viable SOFC anodes thanks to the simple fabrication techniques employed and the catalytic activity observed.