Anode carbon deposition has been the major barrier for the direct utilization of renewable alcohols and largely available hydrocarbons in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). In this study, methanol and methane were tested as the candidate fuels at temperatures of 650-800�C for SOFCs, which are composed by liquid Tin-based anodes/YSZ/LSM (LSFC). The anode complexes were consisted of Tin, Cu, and CeO2 (or YSZ). For comparisons, traditional hydrogen fuel was tested. The initial power densities of the Tin-containing cells in methanol (10% water) are comparable to that in hydrogen. The degradation of these SOFC cells associated with carbon deposition in the long-term stability tests have been investigated using impedance spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The mechanisms of liquid Tin for alleviation of carbon deposition have been proposed. These results provide insight for the development of the direct utilization of carbon-based fuels in SOFCs.

Direct utilization of methanol and methane in solid oxide fuel cells: Effects of liquid tin-based anodes on carbon deposition and oxidation

244th National Meeting (2012)

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