A Comparison of Cu-Ceria-SDC and Au-Ceria-SDC Composites for SOFC Anodes

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) with samaria-doped ceria (SDC) electrolytes were prepared with anodes made from either Cu, ceria, and SDC or Au, ceria, and SDC. These cells were tested in H 2 and n -butane fuels at 650°C. The similarity of performance ( V ­ I ) curves and impedance results for cells made with Au and Cu suggests that both metals are simply electronic conductors in the anode and that Cu does not play a catalytic role in direct-oxidation anodes made with Cu. The addition of ceria is shown to play an important role in improving anode performance, either through improved catalytic activity or mixed ion-electronic conductivity.