Efficient cogeneration of electricity and light olefins over combined highly dispersed Pt and ZnNi alloy NPs in propane-fueled SOFCs

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Propane-fueled solid oxide fuel cells (C 3 H 8 -SOFCs) are a promising approach for the cogeneration of light olefins (LOs) and electricity. Nickel (Ni)-based anode supports have demonstrated exceptional performance in SOFCs. However, a significant challenge arises from the propensity of C 3 H 8 to form carbon deposits. To address this, we constructed a catalytic layer composed of Ni- and Pt-doped Zn 2 TiO 4 (ZNTP) on a Ni-YSZ (yttrium-stabilized zirconia) anode. This layer catalyzes C 3 H 8 dehydrogenation to LOs and prevents direct contact between C 3 H 8 and the anode and solid electrolyte. Specifically, ZnNi alloy NPs and highly dispersed Pt atoms are formed within the catalytic layer. The ZnNi alloy enhances the electrical conductivity and oxygen vacancy concentration of the catalyst, while Pt atoms improve C 3 H 8 adsorption, providing more active sites for oxidative propane dehydrogenation to LOs. With wet 10 %C 3 H 8 -Ar (3 %H 2 O) as the anode feed, the cell delivers a LOs yield of 28.6 % at 750 °C and a peak power density of 680 mW/cm 2 , both among the highest reported for this feedstock composition. Moreover, the SOFC demonstrates remarkable resistance to carbon deposition. The work constructs an efficient dual-functional catalyst for propane dehydrogenation to LOs and offers a significant strategy for the cogeneration of valuable chemicals and electricity. • A catalytic layer composed of Ni- and Pt-doped Zn 2 TiO 4 was synthesized on a Ni-YSZ anode. • The catalytic layer can achieve the co-generation of light olefins and electricity in a C 3 H 8 -fueled SOFC. • The ZnNi alloy enhances the electrical conductivity and O V concentration of the catalyst. • Highly dispersed Pt atoms improve C 3 H 8 adsorption, providing more active sites. • The present SOFC achieves a P max of 680 mW/cm 2 and a 28.6 % yield of LOs at 750 °C.