Ammonia-Fueled Proton Ceramic Fuel Cells with Atomic Layer Desposited Palladium Catalysts

The study investigates the efficacy of protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) operating in an ammonia-fuel environment, focusing on enhancing their performance. PCFCs, known for lower operational temperatures, faced limitations in ammonia decomposition rates, which were remediated by introducing a catalyst. Specifically, treating the PCFC anode with a palladium (Pd) catalyst resulted in remarkable improvements. Compared to untreated counterparts, the treated PCFCs exhibited a substantial increase in performance, achieving a peak power density over 0.3 W/cm²at 500 °C, nearly doubling the output. The process involved depositing Pd catalysts via atomic layer deposition onto the anode surface, where a blend of nickel oxide and BaZr_0.2Ce_0.6Y_0.1Yb_0.1O_3-δ facilitated Pd penetration into the porous interior. This treatment significantly enhanced current collection and notably reduced polarization resistance, particularly evident at lower temperatures, ultimately bolstering overall performance. Importantly, impedance analysis confirmed the catalyst's role in augmenting the current flow and mitigating resistance, contributing to the observed improvements. Moreover, stability tests showcased the treated PCFCs' superior durability compared to untreated samples, suggesting the catalyst's role in enhancing long-term stability. These findings underscore the potential of this methodology as a promising avenue for achieving high-performance and resilient PCFCs in the context of ammonia injection environments. In summary, the study's approach of integrating a Pd catalyst into PCFCs operating under ammonia injection demonstrates substantial enhancements in performance, particularly at lower temperatures. The catalyst deposition technique enhances current collection, reduces resistance, and significantly improves durability, marking a significant stride toward realizing high-performing and stable PCFCs in ammonia-based energy systems.