Experimental and Detailed Kinetic Modeling Study of Carbon Deposition on Ni/YSZ Anode in SOFC

This study aims to investigate reaction pathways of carbon deposition on the Ni/YSZ anode of SOFC. Experimental study showed that the carbon was deposited through CH4 decomposition on Ni particles. It was also implied that the deposited carbon itself catalyzed CH4 decomposition. The carbon deposition steadily progressed after Ni particles were covered by the carbon. The carbon deposition led to destructing the microstructure of Ni/YSZ anode to the extent that the recovery was difficult. The detailed chemical kinetics analysis was also performed to investigate the carbon deposition on the Ni surface. The surface coverage of carbon significantly decreased by adding steam. From the sensitivity analysis, it was shown that the enhancement of the carbon oxidation and H2O adsorption on the Ni surface were effective to inhibit carbon deposition on the anode of the SOFC.