In this paper, novel anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells which can directly operate liquid fuels at intermediate or low temperature were investigated. These materials were based on the activated carbons supported transition metal catalysts (AC-M) and the solid carbonate-ceria composite (SCC) materials, which were prepared via the sol-gel route. The SCCs possess both oxide-ion and proton conductivity, being used as multi-ion conductors. Activated carbons supported transition metals were used to improve the characters of anode materials and especially to enhance the anode catalyst function to liquid fuels, e.g., methanol. The internal reforming of liquid fuels was proved. There is no external reforming system needed. We used also the chemical methods to improve the commercial activated carbons. The microstructure, conductivity and electrochemical properties of anode materials were investigated as functions of the activated carbon pre-treating condition. Using these novel materials, the power intensity of 0.2 W/cm2 was achieved for fuel cells directly operating the methanol at 600 °C.
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Enable Direct Oxidation of Common Liquid Fuels