Octane Steam Reforming and Electrochemical Reaction on Cu-GDC Cermet Anode of Internal Reforming Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Abstract

A porous cermet of Cu and gadolinium oxide-doped ceria (Cu-GDC), which, respectively, have excellent sulfur tolerance and oxygen ion supply property, was focused as an anode electrode for the octane-direct use SOFC. Influences of operating conditions, steam/carbon ratio and cell temperature, on the steam internal reforming reaction and electrochemical reaction on the Cu-GDC cermet anode electrode were investigated. In order to understand the influence of difference in branching of carbon chain, n-octane (linear alkane) and iso-octane (branched chain alkane) were used. By raising the S/C ratio, the carbon deposition is decreased but the fluctuation range of the OCV is increased. Mainly H2, CO, CO2, CH4, and C2H6 are generated in the reforming reaction of n-octane, and C3H8, CH3OH, and C4H10 are also generated in addition to those in the reforming reaction of iso-octane. By using the n-octane fuel, the carbon deposition is reduced. The rate-determining process is dissociation to H2 and CO.