Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are expected to serve as power generators with high energy conversion efficiency. In particular, the microtubular SOFCs with a diameter on the millimeter scale are suitable for portable power sources due to rapid start-up characteristics. SOFCs can, in principle, directly use not only hydrogen but also hydrocarbon fuels including liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). However, hydrocarbon is decomposed into hydrogen and solid carbon at high temperatures. Carbon deposition causes rapid deterioration due to the deactivation of electrode catalysts and the inhibition of fuel diffusion.
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