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

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