Journal of Applied Electrochemistry

, Volume 37, Issue 2, pp 203–208 | Cite as

Propane conversion over a Ru/CGO catalyst and its application in intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

  • M. Lo Faro
  • D. La Rosa
  • G. Monforte
  • V. Antonucci
  • A.S. Arico
  • P. Antonucci
Article
First Online:
Received:
Accepted:

Abstract

A Ru/CGO catalyst was investigated in combination with a Cu current collector for the direct electro-oxidation and internal reforming of propane in a solid oxide fuel cell. The electrochemical power densities for the direct oxidation were larger than in the internal reforming process at 750 °C. The electrochemical performance in the presence of propane was significantly affected by the polarization resistance which was about three times larger than that obtained for the SOFC fed with hydrogen at 750 °C. However, out-of-cell steam reforming tests showed a C3H8 conversion to syngas approaching 90% at 800 °C. Thus, significant enhancements may be achieved by properly optimizing the anode structure. No formation of carbon deposits was observed both upon operation of the anode in the direct oxidation and internal reforming processes at 750 °C.

Keywords

propane intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells Ru/CGO electrocatalyst Cu current collector direct oxidation steam reforming 
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Notes

Acknowledgement

The authors are grateful to the Italian Ministry of Education and Research (MIUR) for financial support through the FISR Project (Fondo integrativo speciale per la Ricerca. “Sviluppo di SOFC planari con elettrodo supportante ad elevata area geometrica” Decreto 16.10.2000 G.U. n. 278 28.11.2000).

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Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media, Inc. 2006

Authors and Affiliations

  • M. Lo Faro
    • 1
  • D. La Rosa
    • 1
  • G. Monforte
    • 1
  • V. Antonucci
    • 1
  • A.S. Arico
    • 1
  • P. Antonucci
    • 2
  1. 1.CNR-ITAE InstituteMessinaItaly
  2. 2.Department of Mechanics and MaterialsUniversity of ReggioCalabriaItaly

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