Abstract
Solid oxide fuel cells – SOFCs – are capable of converting methane directly by internal reforming. New materials development aim to reduce the difficulties of fuel pre-processing by allowing the direct utilisation of anhydrous fuels. This avoids the addition of water, thus reducing system complexity and operational costs.
A CeO2-Co3O4-CuO based electrocatalyst powder synthesised by the amorphous citrate method has been investigated as SOFC anode for direct operation with anhydrous methane. The catalysts studied were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Furthermore, electrochemical properties of the electrocatalyst were evaluated under hydrogen from 700 to 850°C, as well as with mixtures of anhydrous methane and hydrogen and also with pure methane as fuels at 850 and 950 °C. Composition was analysed with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) at the anode material. In addition, coarsening observations were assessed on as-sintered pellet anode samples.
It was found that the Cerium-Cobalt-Copper oxide based materials are able to operate as anode electrocatalyst in SOFC whilst fed either with hydrogen or anhydrous methane as fuels. The utilisation of pure methane has shown to be a viable condition whilst operating above 800 °C. The eventual presence of carbon deposition was assessed by Raman spectroscopy.
A CeO2-Co3O4-CuO based electrocatalyst powder synthesised by the amorphous citrate method has been investigated as SOFC anode for direct operation with anhydrous methane. The catalysts studied were characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Furthermore, electrochemical properties of the electrocatalyst were evaluated under hydrogen from 700 to 850°C, as well as with mixtures of anhydrous methane and hydrogen and also with pure methane as fuels at 850 and 950 °C. Composition was analysed with scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) at the anode material. In addition, coarsening observations were assessed on as-sintered pellet anode samples.
It was found that the Cerium-Cobalt-Copper oxide based materials are able to operate as anode electrocatalyst in SOFC whilst fed either with hydrogen or anhydrous methane as fuels. The utilisation of pure methane has shown to be a viable condition whilst operating above 800 °C. The eventual presence of carbon deposition was assessed by Raman spectroscopy.
Original language | English |
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Title of host publication | Proceedings of the 12th European SOFC Forum |
Place of Publication | Lucerne |
Publisher | European Fuel Cell Forum |
Number of pages | 10 |
Edition | 12 |
ISBN (Electronic) | 9783905592214 |
Publication status | Published - 5 Jul 2016 |
Event | 12th European SOFC Forum 2016 - KKL, Lucerne, Switzerland Duration: 5 Jul 2016 → 8 Jul 2016 http://www.efcf.com |
Conference
Conference | 12th European SOFC Forum 2016 |
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Country/Territory | Switzerland |
City | Lucerne |
Period | 5/07/16 → 8/07/16 |
Internet address |
Keywords
- SOFC
- Ethanol
- Direct reforming
- carbon formation
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment
- Energy Engineering and Power Technology
- Ceramics and Composites
- Catalysis