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In an embodiment, the composition allows for the rapid transport of protons and oxide ion vacancies, which gives the structure (e.g., in a fuel cell) a distinct advantage.
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Background: This invention describes compositions that can be used to produce structures (e.g., anodes, cathodes, membranes, catalysts, electrodes, and the like) that have high electrical conductivity at relatively low temperatures and chemical and thermal stability over a wide range of conditions. In an embodiment, the composition allows for the rapid transport of protons and oxide ion vacancies, which gives the structure (e.g., in a fuel cell) a distinct advantage by allowing the structure to supply and take up water thereby using less steam. The content of the composition can be modified so that the structure is an anode or a cathode and/or so the structure has certain characteristics (e.g., catalytic, high ionic, proton, and/or electron conductivity, chemical stability, and/or thermal stability, and the like). In an embodiment, use of the composition in a structure can reduce carbon buildup and reduce or prevent sulfur poisoning, which can be advantageous in fuels cells. Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for solid oxide fuel cells having chemical stability. One or more of the components in the solid oxide fuel cell can be made using chemical compositions of the present disclosure. For example, embodiments of the present disclosure provide for tolerance (e.g., can directly use dry propane) to coking and fuel poisoning on one or more of the components in the solid oxide fuel cell. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure have a high tolerance for sulfur poisoning, which allows the fuel cell to operate under varying conditions (e.g., use of less steam) and use various fuels (e.g., hydrocarbon fuel, coal gas, renewable fuels). In an embodiment, the advantage of removing sulfur from the anode allows the solid oxide fuel cell to use less steam in the reformation of carbon-containing fuels. The disclosed compounds have good compatibility with components of current SOFCs system such as NiO, YSZ, and doped CeO.sub.2. Thus, it is convenient to fabricate anode-supported type device using traditional ceramic processing techniques.