Direct methanol utilization in intermediate temperature liquid-tin anode solid oxide fuel cells

Direct utilization of methanol in liquid tin anode solid oxide fuel cells has been experimentally demonstrated at 1023 K. A Cu and SDC modified Sn anode solid oxide fuel cell had a maximum power density of 259.2 mW/cm2 during operation on methanol. Carbon deposition was not observed in the Raman spectra of the post-test anodes. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy indicated that gas conversion resistance increased when using methanol instead of hydrogen. The micro-channel architecture of the electrode mitigated the increase. Scanning electron microscopy images showed that addition of Cu and Sn improved wetting of Sn on YSZ and reduced anode polarization resistance. The anode gases were analyzed by mass spectroscopy and a mechanism for electrochemical oxidation of methanol has been proposed.