Copper and cobalt co-doped ceria as an anode catalyst for DIR-SOFCs fueled by biogas

The nanocrystalline compounds of Co and Cu co-doped ceria (with up to 20 mol% of dopants) were fabricated by the reverse microemulsion synthesis method. They were deposited in a form of layers on the surface of SOFC anode in an aim to act as electrochemically active materials for biogas reforming process. Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy was used to analyze a composition of outlet gases simultaneously with the tests of electrical parameters of a fuel cell. It allowed comparing a catalytic activity of fabricated materials towards internal biogas reforming. It was found that Cu and Co ceria co-doping improves electrical parameters of a fuel cell and enhances its long-term stability when compared with mono-doped ceria. This type of a material gives also the highest conversion rate of methane and the highest yield of carbon monoxide.