This interdisciplinary activity focuses on the evaluation of multiphase microstructuresfor a novel smart catalyst concept in the anode compartment of a fuel cell system.The drawback of currently used state-of-the-art nickel cermet catalysts is the generallack of microstructural stability against high temperature, humidity, varying oxygenpartial pressures. In addition, sulphur, which is present in fossil but also in renewablefuels as addressed in the joint project, immediately harm the Ni-catalyst and cause anirreversible degradation, if exposed to sulphur for longer times.Microstructural and catalytic degradation becomes obvious by aggregation, particlegrowth and loss of active surface area and results in an increase of the polarisationresistance and lowers the electrochemical activity. Furthermore, percolation of thecatalytic active nickel phase is limited and the electron pathways are interrupted byparticle growth, what again affects the ohmic resistance of the fuel cell.To overcome these major degradation effects a new material-based strategy is applied.An anode material with an innovative “smart” effect is applied, where activity andperformance will be recovered by the material intrinsic functionality to regenerate itselfunder an externally triggered stimulus. A commonly harmful redox cycle with transientpO2 operating conditions is actively used to self regenerate the anode catalyst. For thisa fundamental understanding of the complex reaction mechanism and therelationships between performance and topological parameters on micro- andnanoscales is needed. Sophisticated microstructure analysis (nanotomography, TEM,image analysis) and numerical modelling and simulation will be combined withdetailed electrochemical investigations.