Pre-reforming of propane for low-temperature SOFCs

Lowering the operation temperature and effectively utilizing practical fuels are two critical issues facing the development of economically competitive solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) systems. Although steam reforming or partial oxidation is effective in avoiding carbon deposition of hydrocarbon fuels, it increases the operating cost and reduces the energy efficiency. In this communication, we report our preliminary findings in developing catalyst (1 wt.% Pt dispersed on porous Gd-doped ceria) for pre-reforming of propane with relatively low steam to carbon (S/C) ratio (∼0.5), coupled with direct utilization of the reformate in low-temperature SOFCs. Propane was converted to smaller molecules during pre-reforming, including H2, CH4, CO and CO2. A peak power density of 247 mW/cm2 was observed when pre-reformed propane was directly fed to an SOFC operated at 600 °C. No carbon deposition was observed in the fuel cell for a continuous operation of 10 h at 600 °C. These results imply that pre-reforming could greatly enhance the performance of low-temperature SOFCs that run on higher hydrocarbon fuels.