Conference Presentation (After Call)

FZJ-2026-05651

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Optimization of Biogas-Fueled Solid Oxide Cells: Performance, Degradation, and Advanced Fuel Electrode Development

Kamboj, V.FZJ* ; Vibhu, V.FZJ* ; Eichel, R.-A.FZJ*RWTH*

2026

Abstract: Solid oxide cells (SOCs) are highly efficient and fuel-flexible systems for Power-to-X applications, enabling renewable energy conversion and storage. However, their commercialization remains limited by the poor durability of conventional Ni-based fuel electrodes under hydrocarbon-rich conditions. In biogas atmospheres, methane decomposition promotes carbon deposition, resulting in pore blockage, loss of triple-phase boundary activity, and accelerated electrochemical degradation.In this work, Ni-based fuel electrodes were systematically investigated under simulated biogas conditions to evaluate electrochemical performance, syngas production, and degradation behavior in both fuel cell and electrolysis modes. Measurements were conducted using CO₂-enriched (40% CH₄ + 60% CO₂) and CH₄-enriched (60% CH₄ + 40% CO₂) biogas mixtures at different temperatures and steam concentrations. Degradation mechanisms related to carbon deposition were analyzed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and distribution of relaxation times (DRT).Building on these findings, novel transition-metal-doped ceria-based mixed ionic and electronic conductor (MIEC) materials containing Y, Zr, and Ni were explored as alternative fuel electrodes for biogas utilization. Ceria is well known for its high tolerance to carbon deposition and excellent redox activity arising from the reversible Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺ valence transition. However, its practical application as an MIEC electrode material is limited by low electronic conductivity and insufficient oxygen defect concentration. To address these limitations, Y, Zr, and Ni doping were employed to increase oxygen non-stoichiometry, thereby enhancing catalytic activity, and reaction selectivity.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Grundlagen der Elektrochemie (IET-1)

Research Program(s):

1. 1232 - Power-based Fuels and Chemicals (POF4-123) (POF4-123)
2. PHOENIX - Verbundvorhaben PHOENIX: Im Fokus des Launch Space Power-to-X (PHOENIX) steht die Weiterentwicklung und Demonstration der vielversprechendsten P2X-Technologien. Der Forschungs- und Entwicklungsbedarf zur Realisierung nachhaltiger P2X-Technologien konzentriert sich auf die Elektrolyse als Schlüsseltechnologie (MWIDE-03SF0775A) (MWIDE-03SF0775A)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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