A Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Runs on Hydrocarbon Fuels with Exceptional Durability and Power Output

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) that can operate on hydrocarbon fuels offer an efficient and cost‐effective solution for electricity generation. However, broader commercialization of SOFCs is hindered by inadequate performance and limited durability due to the sluggish hydrocarbon reforming/oxidation kinetics and coking on the SOFC anode. Here it has been reported that these findings in design, synthesis, and characterization of a novel anode catalyst Ba(Zr0.8Y0.2)0.9(Ni0.5Ru0.5)0.1O3‐δ (BZYNR) that overcomes the problems, enabling direct utilization of nearly dry hydrocarbon fuels (e.g., methane, ethanol, and iso‐octane with only 3 vol% H2O) with exceptional power output for over 1000 h on both button cells and tubular cells. The outstanding performance of BZYNR is attributed to the high activity of hydrocarbon reforming and the accelerated water‐mediated carbon cleaning process on Ni‐based SOFC anode.

Development of Long Duration Button Cell Test Stands and Testing Protocols

“…If the CTE mismatch between the support and the cell is too large, the electrolyte or seal can crack. Many commercial sealants are available, including Ceramabond 552 from Amerco, the G018 series from Schott, silver or other precious metal inks, and a variety of glass powders from Mo-Sci (12)(13)(14)(15)(16). Sealant pastes are commonly added to the cell in one or multiple layers and dried, before glassing or curing at high temperatures.…”

Nanotechnologies in ceramic electrochemical cells

“…(a) Current density (OCEC, 40 PCEC 41 ), hydrogen sources (OCEC, 42 PCEC 43 ), electrical efficiency (OCEC, 34 PCEC, 14 expected to reach the goal), degradation rate (OCEC: 0.3-0.4%/1000 h at 800 1C, 44 PCEC: o30 mV/1000 h 14 ), durability (OCEC: 10 700 h, 45 20 000 h, 34 PCEC: 1200 h 14 ), and cost effectiveness (OCEC: 44 $ per kg H 2 , 34 PCEC: lack of reliable data). (b) Stack cost (OCFC, 46 PCFC: lack of reliable data), durability (OCFC: 15000 h, 45 ten years, 47 PCFC: 8000 h 48 ), degradation rate (OCFC: B0.5%/1000 h, 47 PCFC: o1.5%/1000 h 48 ), efficiency (OCFC, 49 PCFC: 57.8% LHV 50 ), fuel sources (OCFC, 51 PCFC 48 ), and output capacity (OCFC, 52 PCFC, 53 expected to reach the goal).…”

Synergistic Effects of In-Situ Exsolved Ni–Ru Bimetallic Catalyst on High-Performance and Durable Direct-Methane Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

“…1,2 Compared to their low-temperature counterparts, polymer membrane electrolyte fuel cells that utilize high-purity H 2 , the fuel flexibility of SOFCs significantly broadens their potential applications. 3,4 Among all fuel-flexible SOFCs, direct-methane SOFCs (CH 4 -SOFCs) are of high interest as methane is much cheaper than other commercially available fuels. 5−7 Additionally, liquified natural gas (LNG) exhibits a relatively high volumetric energy density, which is essential for vehicular applications.…”

“…5−7 Additionally, liquified natural gas (LNG) exhibits a relatively high volumetric energy density, which is essential for vehicular applications. Therefore, CH 4 -SOFCs have great potential to be employed to power long-range heavy-duty trucks 8,9 Implementing CH 4 -SOFCs in transportation sectors requires CH 4 -SOFCs running at relatively low operating temperatures (e.g., < 650 °C), at which the risks associated with thermal cycling could be minimized. Additionally, the fuel stream fed to the CH 4 -SOFCs, typically a mixture of CH 4 and steam, should exhibit a low steam-to-carbon (S/C) ratio.…”

“…Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are promising electrochemical energy conversion devices that directly convert chemical energy to electricity with high efficiency and low emissions. , Compared to their low-temperature counterparts, polymer membrane electrolyte fuel cells that utilize high-purity H 2 , the fuel flexibility of SOFCs significantly broadens their potential applications. , Among all fuel-flexible SOFCs, direct-methane SOFCs (CH 4 -SOFCs) are of high interest as methane is much cheaper than other commercially available fuels. − Additionally, liquified natural gas (LNG) exhibits a relatively high volumetric energy density, which is essential for vehicular applications. Therefore, CH 4 -SOFCs have great potential to be employed to power long-range heavy-duty trucks , …”