Evolution of activity of impregnated with CeO2 Ni-SSZ anodes of fuel cells

Abstract

The behavior of polarization resistance of 50% Ni + 50% Zr_0.9Sc_0.1O_1.95 electrodes in contact with Zr_0.84Y_0.16O_1.92 electrolyte both in their initial state and after the introduction of cerium oxide into their porous structure is studied by the method of electrochemical impedance. The 1500 h experiments carried out at 800°С in the 60% H₂O + 40% H₂ gas medium demonstrate that the degradation rate of the electrodes in their initial state is somewhat lower than after the introduction of CeO₂, while the initial polarization resistance of thus modified electrodes is 5-times lower. It is found that the introduction of cerium oxide can lower down the polarization resistance of electrodes subjected to short-term 500 h exposures.