Abstract: The embodiments generally relate to a high performance ceramic anode which will increase flexibility in the types of fuels that may be used with the anode. The embodiments further relate to high-performance, direct-oxidation SOFC utilizing the anodes, providing improved electro-catalytic activity and redox stability. The SOFCs are capable of use with strategic fuels and other hydrocarbon fuels. Also provided are methods of making the high-performance anodes and solid oxide fuel cells comprising the anodes exhibiting improved electronic conductivity and electrochemical activity.

Abstract: Provided are solid oxide fuel cells that include a solid electrolyte and a porous ceramic anode, the fuel cells being capable of operating on a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon fuel having a sulfur content of from about 1 ppm to about 5000 ppm and an oxygen source. Also provided are processes of producing electrical energy with the disclosed fuel cells.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to ceramic anodes for use in solid oxide fuel cells, whereby the anodes are comprised primarily of ceramic material.

Abstract: The embodiments generally relate to porous electrodes for use in solid-state NOx sensors, whereby the electrodes are comprised primarily of ceramic material and electronically conducting material. The electrodes are prepared by impregnating a porous ceramic material with precursors to the electronically conducting material.

Abstract: A method for preparation of an anode for a solid oxide fuel cell in which a plurality of zircon fibers are mixed with a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder, forming a fiber/powder mixture. The fiber/powder mixture is formed into a porous YSZ layer and calcined. The calcined porous YSZ layer is then impregnated with a metal-containing salt solution. Preferred metals are Cu and Ni.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to porous electrodes for use in solid oxide fuel cells, whereby the electrodes are comprised primarily of ceramic material and electronically conductive material. The electrodes are prepared by impregnating a porous ceramic material with precursors to the electronically conducting material.

Abstract: A method for preparation of an anode for a solid oxide fuel cell in which a plurality of zircon fibers are mixed with a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder, forming a fiber/powder mixture. The fiber/powder mixture is formed into a porous YSZ layer and calcined. The calcined porous YSZ layer is then impregnated with a metal-containing salt solution. Preferred metals are Cu and Ni.

Abstract: A method for preparation of an anode for a solid oxide fuel cellin which a plurality of zircon fibers are mixed with a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder, forming a fiber/powder mixture. The fiber/powder mixture is formed into a porus YSZ layer and calcined. The calcined porous YSZ layer is then impregnated with a metal-containing salt solution. Preferred metals are Cu and Ni. An anode and a method for manufacturing a fuel cell containing such anode is also disclosed. Such anode is particularly peformant when the fuel cell is fed with dry hydrocarbons, in absence or low content of steam.

Abstract: A method for generating electricity in which a dry hydrocarbon and/or carbonaceous fluid fuel is introduced into the anode side of a solid oxide fuel cell having an anode electrode of porous YSZ and an electron—conducting metal having an oxide form which melts at a temperature less than about 1550° C. An oxidant is introduced into the cathode side of the cell and is electrochemically reacted with the dry fluid fuel resulting in substantially complete oxidation of the fluid fuel and generation of electricity.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to high performance anodes for use in solid oxide fuel cells, whereby the anodes are comprised primarily of ceramic material. The anodes are pre-treated with a hydrocarbon having more than one carbon atom such that carbonaceous deposits form on the anode material.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to porous electrodes for use in solid oxide fuel cells, whereby the electrodes are comprised primarily of ceramic material and electronically conductive material. The electrodes are prepared by impregnating a porous ceramic material with precursors to the electronically conducting material.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to ceramic anodes for use in solid oxide fuel cells, whereby the anodes are comprised primarily of ceramic material.

Abstract: A method for preparation of an anode for a solid oxide fuel cell in which a plurality of zircon fibers are mixed with a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder, forming a fiber/powder mixture. The fiber/powder mixture is formed into a porous YSZ layer and calcined. The calcined porous YSZ layer is then impregnated with a metal-containing salt solution. Preferred metals are Cu and Ni.

Abstract: A method for preparation of an anode for a solid oxide fuel cell in which a plurality of zircon fibers are mixed with a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder, forming a fiber/powder mixture. The fiber/powder mixture is formed into a porous YSZ layer and cacined. The calcined porous YSZ layer is then impregnated with a metal-containing salt solution. Preferred metals are Cu and Ni.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solid oxide fuel cell which comprises a solid electrolyte comprised of an electronic insulator which allows transfer of anions, a ceramic-metal composite anode and a cathode. The fuel cell also comprises a sulfur-containing hydrocarbon fuel having a sulfur content of from about 1 ppm to about 5000 ppm and an oxygen source. The invention further relates to a process of producing electrical energy with the fuel cell and a process of restoring the operability of a fuel cell that was deactivated by sulfur poisoning.

Abstract: A method for generating electricity in which a dry hydrocarbon and/or carbonaceous fluid fuel is introduced into the anode side of a solid oxide fuel cell having an anode electrode of porous YSZ and an electron-conducting metal having an oxide form which melts at a temperature less than about 1550° C. An oxidant is introduced into the cathode side of the cell and is electrochemically reacted with the dry fluid fuel resulting in substantially complete oxidation of the fluid fuel and generation of electricity.

Abstract: A method for preparation of an anode for a solid oxide fuel cell in which a plurality of zircon fibers are mixed with a yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) powder, forming a fiber/powder mixture. The fiber/powder mixture is formed into a porous YSZ layer and calcined. The calcined porous YSZ layer is then impregnated with a metal-containing salt solution. Preferred metals are Cu and Ni.