Catalytic characteristics of Ni(B)-coated YSZ powder by neutral electroless plating

In this study, an eco-friendly, electroless, and neutral (pH 7.0) process of nickel plating at low temperature (40 °C) was used to develop an anode catalyst for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Electroless Ni(B) plating on yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) particles resulted in the formation of a Ni(B)/YSZ core–shell. We examined the crystallinity and uniformity of the Ni(B) layer on the plated core–shell powder and found that it had an amorphous-like structure. In addition, we evaluated the rate of carbon deposition and characteristics of the SOFC anode catalyst: the carbon deposition rate was 19.42%, H 2 selectivity was nearly 88% at 800 °C, and methane conversion was maintained at 100% at temperatures above 850 °C. It was ascertained that in the high-temperature region, which is the main operating temperature of SOFCs, the amorphous-like microstructure of the Ni(B) layer on the Ni(B)–YSZ core–shell powder played an important role in enhancing these properties.