Application of NixCo1-x catalyst on solid oxide fuel cell anode for biogas dry reforming

Abstract

Based on commercial solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), an effective dry reforming catalyst Ni 0.7 Co 0.3 /Al 2 O 3 +(10% La 2 O 3 ) was prepared and applied for cell performance test under internal reforming conditions. The CH 4 /CO 2 ratio of 2:1 corresponds to a power density of 651 mW cm −2 at 850 °C, an increase of 384 mW cm −2 compared with the test without catalyst under the same atmosphere. It is found that catalyst can greatly alleviate the carbon deposition on Ni-based anode when hydrocarbon serves as fuel. Since CO 2 can act as a reforming reactant, no water vapor is required; there is no side-effect of water vapor (diluting the fuel). This internal DRM technology can help to convert part of the exhaust heat into chemical energy; it is crucial for improving the efficiency of SOFC system fueled with biogas. • Dry reforming of methane is studied in combination with SOFC test. • Catalysts of Ni x Co 1-x /Al 2 O 3 with or without La 2 O 3 are examined systematically. • Ni 0.7 Co 0.3 /Al 2 O 3 +10%La 2 O 3 is selected as the optimized catalyst. • Internal reforming of CH 4 :CO 2 = 2:1 results in 651 mW cm −2 of SOFC output at 850 °C.