ABSTRACT
The primary function of the anode for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is to promote the electrochemical oxidation of fuels. When a hydrocarbon fuel such as methane is used as the fuel, additional functions of the anode may include internal reforming or partial oxidation of the fuel. The chemical and electrochemical processes often take place preferentially at certain surface and interfacial sites or triple-phase boundaries (TPBs). The resistance to these electrode processes, or the anode polarization, is determined not only by the intrinsic surface catalytic activities toward fuel oxidation and reforming, but also by the microstructure, morphology, and transport properties of the electrode materials. The critical challenge in the design of an efficient anode is to optimize the charge and mass transfer along surfaces, across interfaces, and through the bulk electrode. For an anode-supported SOFC, the anode also acts as a structural support for the entire cell. In this case, the mechanical integrity is important as well.
