Operando observation of carbon deposition on three phase boundary in solid oxide fuel cell anode

Abstract

Operando observations of carbon deposition on patterned nickel (Ni) film electrodes under the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) operation were conducted in the present study. The cell was exposed to dry methane for 10 hrs at 800 oC after reduction and stabilization. Carbon deposition at three phase boundary (TPB) was observed under open-circuit and polarized conditions. Amounts of carbon deposited around the TPB were significantly different between the open circuit and polarization conditions. Large amount of carbon finally covered the whole Ni surface at open-circuit, while carbon deposition was suppressed at TPB and on Ni film under polarized condition.