The REFORM-SOFC project proposes a new concept of a highly porous catalytic layer of metal-ceramic composite for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) performing two functions: (i) promoting internal reforming of synthetic methanol or biogas on metal nanoparticles; (ii) acting as a structural support of the electrochemical cell. Moving from the state-of-the-art Anode-Supported (AS-SOFC) design to the Reforming Catalyst-Supported (RCS-SOFC) design will allow to reduce amount of ceramic powder used for production, reduce the thickness of the anode and avoid its coking while maintaining the mechanical strength. Overall, the RCS-SOFC design: (i) enables the flexible customization of the microstructure of the catalytic/structural layer towards efficient reforming of fuel with the formation of hydrogen and (ii) prevents the blocking of conventional Ni/3YSZ anodes layer by carbon deposits.
