Internal reforming anode for solid oxide fuel cells

A solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), comprising:

• a cathode electrode;
• a solid oxide electrolyte consisting essentially of stabilized zirconia;
• and
• an anode electrode comprising a first layer and a second layer, such that the first layer is in physical contact with the stabilized zirconia solid oxide electrolyte and located between the stabilized zirconia solid oxide electrolyte and the second layer;
• wherein:
• the anode electrode comprises a cermet comprising a nickel containing phase and a ceramic phase;
• the first layer of the anode electrode contains a lower ratio of the nickel containing phase to the ceramic phase than the second portion of the anode electrode;
• the nickel containing phase in the second layer of the anode electrode comprises nickel and Cu which has a lower electrocatalytic activity than nickel, and
• the first layer lacks intentionally introduced Cu.