Protonic membrane for fuel cell for co-generation of power and ethylene

Abstract

Yttrium-doped barium cerate, BaCe 0.85Y 0.15O 3− α (BCY15), membranes are proton-conducting electrolytes for intermediate-temperature protonic ceramic fuel cells (IT-PCFC), useful for, among other processes, co-production of power and ethylene by dehydrogenation of ethane. BCY15 membranes showed good conductivity at intermediate temperatures, 15 and 20 mS cm −1 at 700 and 750 °C, respectively. Maximum power density was 174 mW cm −2 at 700 °C, with a corresponding current density of 320 mA cm −2, using a C 2H 6,Pt/BCY15/Pt,O 2 fuel cell, with a ca. 0.5 mm thick membrane, producing 34% ethane conversion with 96% ethylene selectivity Comparison of performances using vertical and horizontal set-ups showed that horizontal set-ups are subject to torsional strain, causing reduced cell performance resulting from even minor leakage at the glass seal.