On the Choice of Anode Electrocatalyst for Alcohol Fuelled Proton Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract

Proton conducting solid oxide fuel cells (H+-SOFC) offer reduced temperature operation when compared to traditional oxygen anion conducting SOFCs. However, one potential drawback is a loss of fuel flexibility as H+-SOFCs require hydrogen as a fuel. In this study we examine the use of Ni, Ni-Cu, and Cu-based anodes for the internal steam reforming of methanol and ethanol on the H+-SOFC anode. When compared to hydrogen fuel, the cell performance is lower in all of the alcohol fuels due to lower hydrogen content in the reformate. Ni provides substantially higher performance than Cu due to increased steam reforming activity towards hydrogen production and may increase hydrogen incorporation kinetics. Significant carbon deposition was noted on the Ni anode when operating on ethanol fuel, even with a 4:1 steam:carbon ratio. Only limited carbon deposition was noted for the Cu anode. Alloying Ni with Cu was shown to help limit carbon formation at the anode.