Progress in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells with Hydrocarbon Fuels

Mohamad Fairus Rabuni (), Tao Li (), Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman, Faidzul Hakim Adnan and Kang Li ()
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Mohamad Fairus Rabuni: Sustainable Process Engineering Centre (SPEC), Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Tao Li: MOE Key Laboratory of Energy Thermal Conversion & Control, School of Energy and Environment, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, China
Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman: Advanced Membrane Technology Research Centre (AMTEC), Faculty of Chemical and Energy Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Skudai, Johor Bahru 81310, Malaysia
Faidzul Hakim Adnan: Sustainable Process Engineering Centre (SPEC), Department of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia
Kang Li: Barrer Centre, Department of Chemical Engineering, Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, UK

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 17, 1-36

Abstract: Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs)’ main advantage in fuel flexibility appears to be an interesting subject for further exploration. From the literature survey, direct utilisation of hydrocarbon as fuel for SOFCs has garnered attention with promising results reported. Various approaches, showcasing potential for using methane (CH 4 ) and heavier hydrocarbons in SOFCs, have been described. The direct use of hydrocarbons can occur through either direct internal reforming or gradual internal reforming, with requisite precautionary measures to mitigate carbon formation. While the internal reforming process could proceed via steam reforming, dry reforming or partial oxidation, an exciting development in the direct use of pure hydrocarbons, seems to progress well. Further exploration aims to refine strategies, enhance efficiency and ensure the long-term stability and performance of hydrocarbon-fuelled SOFC systems. This review delves into the progress in this field, primarily over the past two decades, offering comprehensive insights. Regardless of fuel type, studies have largely concentrated on catalyst compositions, modifications and reaction conditions to achieve better conversion and selectivity. Finding suitable anode materials exhibiting excellent performance and robustness under demanding operating conditions, remains a hurdle. Alternatively, ongoing efforts are directed towards lowering working temperatures, enabling consideration of a wider range of materials with improved electrochemical performance.

Keywords: SOFC; hydrocarbons; direct utilisation; fuel flexibility (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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