Simultaneous CO and NOx removal from simulated lean-burn engine exhaust via solid oxide fuel cell with La0.8Sr0.2Mn0.95Cu0.05O3 cathode

Solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) unit was constructed with Ni–YSZ as the anode, YSZ as the electrolyte, and La0.8Sr0.2Mn0.95Cu0.05O3–Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 as the cathode. Fixed-voltage tests at 0.6 V were performed at 600 and 750 °C with simulated lean-burn engine exhaust passing the cathode. Simultaneous CO and NOx removal over the SOFC cathode has been shown to be feasible. However, electrochemical CO2 reduction occurred to result in a baseline CO concentration, although smaller than 100 ppm.

Research highlights
► Lean-burn engine exhaust can be treated over the cathode of solid oxide fuel cells.
► Simultaneous CO and NOx removal has been shown to be feasible.
► A baseline CO concentration occurs due to electrochemical CO2 reduction.