Incorporating High-Performance Secondary Catalysts (IMAGE) National Research Council of Science & Technology Caption When the nickel catalyst of ceramic fuel cells is used with hydrocarbon fuels, such as methane, propane, and butane, the carbon generated during fuel conversion is deposited on the surface of nickel. This worsens seriously as the temperature lowers, leading to the failure of the cell operation. Research team solved this problem by incorporating high-performance secondary catalysts, which can convert fuels more easily, by thin-film technology. Using alternating deposition of the secondary catalyst and the main catalyst layers, the team was able to effectively distribute the secondary catalyst at the nearliest parts of the fuel electrodes to the electrolyte. By this way, controlled incorporation of small amount but effectively positioned secondary catalysts was possible. Using this procedure, the KIST research team was able to successfully apply secondary catalysts known for their high catalytic activity at low temperatures, such as palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru), and copper (Cu), to the nano-structure fuel electrodes. Credit Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) Usage Restrictions The sources of photos and research results from KIST must be specified. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.