This study presents the first application of Fourier-transform infrared emission spectroscopy (FTIRES) to elucidate intermediates formed during fuel exposure to anodes of operating solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) at 800 �C.  Methane (CH4) is a representative hydrocarbon fuel and is a convenient IR-active species with distinct spectral features.  IR signatures of products � CO2(g) and CO(g) � are stronger at higher currents, demonstrating the dependence of CH4 oxidation on cell polarization.  Spectra also reveal the first clear identification of a carbon oxidation intermediate species on the anode surface in the form of adsorbed carbon dioxide (CO2(ads)).  The CO2(ads) band at 2295 cm-1 follows the same polarization-dependent trend as the gas-phase oxidation products.  Spectra acquired under fuel-free, electrochemically oxidizing conditions show prolonged production of CO2, indicating significant carbon formation occurs with CH4 fuel.  FTIRES has been demonstrated as a viable technique for the identification of fuel oxidation intermediates and products in working SOFCs.

In situ Fourier transform infrared emission of solid oxide fuel cell anodes

244th National Meeting (2012)

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