Direct Utilization of Methanol on Ceria-based Anodes for SOFC

Abstract

Ceria-based anodes containing nickel, copper, or copper-cobalt were tested for the direct utilization of pure methanol in solid oxide fuel cells at 1073 K. Cell performance and stability was determined at conditions favorable to carbon deposition to verify whether carbon deposits caused irreversible damage to the anodic microstructure. Results indicated that both pyrolysis and catalytic decomposition of methanol are important processes for direct utilization operation. Cell performance with methanol was similar or higher than with humidified hydrogen. Better performance with alcohol was a consequence of the improved electronic conductivity in the presence of carbon deposits. No significant micro-structural changes were detected on the anodes despite the formation of carbon.