Abstract: Series of Ni-Fe-La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.115Co0.085O3 (LSGMC8.5) composite anodes were prepared and characterized for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) fueled with dimethyl ether (DME). The molar ratio of Ni to Fe was 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, and 5:5, respectively, and the total mass fraction of Ni-Fe in the electrode was 75%. Multiple techniques were applied to study the phase composition, the microstructure of the electrode, and the electrochemical oxidation of DME over the electrode/electrolyte interface. The results demonstrated that increase in the amount of Fe in the electrode improved the sintering activity of the electrode and changed the microstructure of the electrode and electrode/electrolyte interface. The activities for electrochemical oxidation of DME of the electrodes depended strongly on the molar ratio of Ni to Fe, and the electrode with a molar ratio of Ni to Fe at 8:2 exhibited the highest activity. The electrodes showed good activity and stability for DME oxidation, and no obvious coke deposition was observed.

Key words: Dimethyl ether, Solid oxide fuel cells, Ni-Fe composite anodes, Coke deposition, Stability