Enhancing Coking Tolerance and Stability of SOFC Anodes using Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) of Oxide Thin Films Raymond J. Gorte, John M. Vohs University of Pennsylvania and Steve McIntosh Lehigh University Wensheng Wang, Praveen Cheekatamarla Atrex Energy P Background ➢ Ni-YSZ cermets are generally considered to be the state of the art anode for SOFCs. ➢ In spite of years of development they still have some limitations including: Solid Oxide Fuel Cell • Loss of surface area which degrades performance over time • Low fuel flexibility due to propensity to coke when exposed to hydrocarbons • Susceptible to deactivation when exposed to common fuel impurities such as sulfur H2 or hydrocarbon Background - Hydrocarbon Tolerance of Ni-YSZ Anodes • Carbon deposition rapidly degrades cell performance • Is an issue even for reformed natural gas where excess steam must be used to suppress coking
