Catalytic study of efficient nanocomposites {Ni0.5 Zn0.5−x Cex -oxides electrodes} for natural gas-fed fuel cells

Abstract

Highly catalytic active anode materials are one of the scorching zones in recent solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In order to develop high performance SOFCs compatible anode materials are extremely required. In this work, Ni _0.5 Zn _0.5−x Ce _x -oxides (NZC-oxide) nanocomposite anode material is synthesized by employing facile, low cost wet chemical technique. The phase structure before and after CH _4 environment is studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. However, no significant structural phase change is observed in Ni _0.5 Zn _0.3 Ce _0.2 -oxides after CH _4 treatment. Additional characterizations are investigated by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The dc electrical conductivities are measure by four probe method. The ideal and suitable Ni _0.5 Zn _0.3 Ce _0 . _2 -oxides among all nanocomposites using as anode in fuel cell devices, show maximum power density of 500 mWcm ^−2 with open circuit voltage (OCV) of 1.0 V at 600 °C. By empowering enhanced catalytic assets of Ni _0.5 Zn _0.3 Ce _0.2 -oxides nanocomposite anode may be useful for fuel cell applications.

Keywords

• catalyst
• fuel cell
• natural gas
• energy materials