SOFC Anode : Hydrogen Oxidation at Porous Nickel and Nickel/Yttria-Stabilised Zirconia Cermet Electrodes

A general introduction is given on fuel cells. The history, different types, advantages and drawbacks of fuel cells are discussed. The second part of this introductory chapter is concerned with the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC), its principles, materials employed and electrode kinetics. Particular attention is drawn to the presently available knowledge on kinetics of the anodic reaction. At the end of the chapter the scope of this thesis is presented.