Fuel processing in direct propane solid oxide fuel cell and carbon dioxide reforming of propane over Ni–YSZ

This work is aimed at understanding the reaction mechanism of propane internal reforming in the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). This mechanism is important for the design and operation of SOFC internal processing of hydrocarbons. An anode-supported SOFC unit with Ni–YSZ anode operating at 800 °C was tested with direct feeding of 5% propane. CO2 reforming of propane was carried out in a reactor with Ni–YSZ catalyst to simulate internal propane processing in SOFC. The performance of this direct propane SOFC is stable. The C specie formed over the anode functional layer of SOFC can be completely removed. The major gas products of SOFC are H2, CO, CH4, C2H4 and CO2. Pseudo-steady-state internal processing of propane in the anode catalytic layer of SOFC is associated with a CO2/C3H8 molar ratio of about 1.26 and basically CO2 reforming of propane. CO2 dissociation to produce the O species to oxidize the C species from dehydrogenation and dissociation of propane and its fragments should be the major reaction during CO2 reforming of propane.

Research highlights
► The performance of direct propane solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is stable.
► The C specie formed over SOFC anode functional layer can be completely removed.
► Internal processing of propane in SOFC anode catalytic layer is CO2 reforming.
► CO2 dissociation to produce O species to oxidize the C species is major reaction.