Research and results

flexell’s publications

A selected list of scientific publications. Open each article at its publisher for the full record and access options.

Selected publications

Research you can explore.

07 publications

International Journal of Hydrogen Energy · Published online 1 October 2026

Long-term stability of Ce-Cu modified Ni-8YSZ electrodes under both fuel cell and co-electrolysis operation

Authors: Michael Henry Sharp, Aris Tzouras, Qiqi Liu, Kun Zhang, Hadi Heidary and Bernardo Jordão Moreira Sarruf

This study tests ceria–copper-modified Ni-8YSZ electrodes in fuel-cell and wet-CO₂ co-electrolysis modes. Across more than 2,000 hours, modification improved biogas performance and suppressed carbon deposition. Low-loading electrodes operated in co-electrolysis for over 1,050 hours, compared with about 400 hours for the unmodified benchmark.

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Journal of Power Sources · Published online 15 June 2026

Flexibly fuelled reversible solid oxide cells based on ceria-nickel fuel electrodes support

Authors: Bernardo Jordão Moreira Sarruf, Kamil Maciej Nowicki, Aaron Benjamin Naden, John Thomas Sirr Irvine and Robert Steinberger-Wilckens

This work develops ceria–nickel fuel-electrode supports for reversible solid oxide cells. The cells reached 0.71 W cm⁻² in fuel-cell mode with internal methane reforming and −2.67 A cm⁻² during steam electrolysis at 775 °C. Ceria’s oxygen-buffering properties helped support performance across operating modes.

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Journal of Physics: Energy · Published 6 February 2025

Electrochemical conversion of methane measured by anode out gas monitoring over Ce–Co–Cu anode electrocatalysts

Authors: Bernardo Jordão Moreira Sarruf, Robert Steinberger-Wilckens and Paulo Emílio Valadão de Miranda

This study investigates nickel-free cerium–cobalt–copper anodes for solid oxide fuel cells operating directly on methane. Gas chromatography tracked exhaust composition during electrochemical testing. Power density exceeded 400 mW cm⁻² at 850 °C. Cobalt-rich catalysts promoted fuel conversion, while microstructure and gas-diffusion polarisation remained key optimisation targets.

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International Journal of Hydrogen Energy · Published online 24 January 2025

Improving the degradation behaviour and coking resistance of solid oxide fuel cells via surface modification using wet impregnation of metallic solutions

Authors: Bernardo Jordão Moreira Sarruf, Ulfi Anisya Binti Rastu and Mohammad Ammar

This study uses wet impregnation to modify commercial solid oxide fuel-cell anodes with cerium–cobalt–manganese and cerium–cobalt–lanthanum solutions. The treatments improved performance and inhibited carbon deposition during simulated-biogas operation. Extended testing compared degradation under different conditions, exploring ways to improve fuel flexibility and durability.

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Chemical Engineering Journal · Published online 7 January 2025

Evaluation of electrochemical performance and carbon deposition behaviour of Sn, Ag, Cu, Fe-doped Ni/ScCeSZ anode solid oxide fuel cells operated with simulated biogas

Authors: Zeyu Jiang, Bernardo Jordão Moreira Sarruf, Ahmad El-kharouf, Wenfeng Zhan, Zhenxing Liang and Robert Steinberger-Wilckens

This paper compares Sn-, Ag-, Cu- and Fe-doped Ni/ScCeSZ anodes using simulated biogas. All doped cells ran for over 120 hours, while the unmodified cell stopped after 11 hours due to carbon deposition. Sn, Ag and Cu modifications prevented detectable carbon deposits.

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Open Ceramics · Published online 3 December 2024; issue 2025

Water-based 8YSZ electrolyte suspension optimised by design of experiments

Authors: Bernardo Jordão Moreira Sarruf, Laura Buccoli and Zoé Barbry

This study optimises a water-based 8YSZ electrolyte slurry for tape casting using design of experiments. It assesses solid loading, binder content and powder grade against rheology, tape defects, thickness, porosity and conductivity. The optimised formulation supports reproducible manufacturing and helps reduce material waste and costs.

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Ceramics International · Published online 4 April 2024

Preparation of gadolinium-doped ceria barrier layer for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells by spin coating and evaluation of performance degradation by impedance analysis

Authors: Zeyu Jiang, Bernardo Jordão Moreira Sarruf, Ahmad El-kharouf and Robert Steinberger-Wilckens

This work fabricates a thin gadolinium-doped ceria barrier layer by aqueous spin coating for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. A 5.5 μm film delivered over 1.00 W cm⁻² at 750 °C. Testing exceeded 1,200 hours, while impedance analysis tracked electrochemical processes and degradation.

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