The pursuit of clean and efficient energy conversion technologies has led to significant advancements in fuel cell research. A groundbreaking study conducted at Fuzhou University, published in the Frontiers in Energy, presents a novel approach to enhance the performance of direct ammonia protonic ceramic fuel cells (DA-PCFCs). By introducing a CeO₂-supported Ni and Ru catalyst layer, the research team has successfully improved the electrochemical performance of these cells, offering a promising step towards more sustainable energy solutions.

Ammonia is emerging as an exceptional fuel for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) due to its high hydrogen content and carbon-neutrality. However, the challenge of achieving satisfactory performance at intermediate temperatures (500–600 °C) has hindered its widespread application. The development of efficient catalysts to facilitate ammonia decomposition and enhance electrochemical reactions is crucial for the advancement of DA-PCFCs.

Led by Yu Luo and Yunyun Huang, the team at Fuzhou University, Beijing Institute of Technology and Qingyuan Innovation Laboratory focused on the development of a CeO₂-supported catalyst layer to reconstruct the anode surface of DA-PCFCs. The study involved the fabrication of an electrolyte-supported PCFC using BaZr_0.1Ce_0.7Y_0.2O_3–δ (BZCY) as the electrolyte and Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3–δ (BSCF) as the cathode. The researchers investigated the performance of the PCFC using NH₃ as fuel within an operating temperature range of 500–700 °C and compared it with the traditional hydrogen fuel.

The introduction of the M(Ni,Ru)/CeO₂ catalyst layer resulted in a significant improvement in the electrochemical performance of the DA-PCFC. Compared to H₂ as fuel, the degradation ratio of peak power densities (PPDs) of Ni/CeO₂-loaded PCFC fueled with NH₃ decreased at 700–500 °C, with a decrease to 13.3% at 700 °C and 30.7% at 500 °C. The findings indicate that Ru-based catalysts show greater promise for direct ammonia SOFCs (DA-SOFCs) at operating temperatures below 600 °C. However, the enhancement effect becomes less significant above 600 °C when compared to Ni-based catalysts.

This study provides a significant contribution to the field of fuel cell technology by demonstrating the potential of CeO₂-supported catalysts to enhance the performance of DA-PCFCs. The improved electrochemical performance and reduced degradation rates at various temperatures offer a viable path towards more efficient and sustainable energy conversion systems. The research not only addresses the technical challenges associated with ammonia fuel cells but also paves the way for further development and commercialization of these environmentally friendly energy technologies.
DOI: 10.1007/s11708-024-0959-z