We have used various optical methods, including thermal imaging and Raman spectroscopy for in situ optical studies of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Using a recently developed complementary method, Fourier-transform infrared emission spectroscopy (FTIRES), we have detected and identified vibrational bands due to condensed phase or adsorbed carbon dioxide, CO2(ads), which represents the first in situ detection of a molecular species on an operating SOFC anode. Results are described for SOFCs operating on methane and biogas, a mixture of CO2 and methane.  Partially rotationally resolved gas phase bands are observed in addition to the CO2 on the anode for a range of operating temperatures, 700-800 oC. 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.

Detection and identification of CO<sub>2</sub> on solid oxide fuel cell anodes by FTIR emission

247th National Meeting (2014)

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Detection and identification of CO2 on solid oxide fuel cell anodes by FTIR emission

Detection and identification of CO₂ on solid oxide fuel cell anodes by FTIR emission