Solid Oxide Fuel Cell fed with n-dodecane reformate

The electrochemical behaviour of a Solid Oxide Fuel (SOFC) button cell was investigated by feeding reformate of n-dodecane. Experiments were carried out at 800 °C by using a commercial type cell with a composition Ni-YSZ/YSZ/YDC/LSFC and a chemical processor operating under autothermal conditions at 800 °C in presence of a commercial type catalyst based on Rh-CeO2-ZrO2. The composition of syngas was determined by gas-chromatography before to be fed to the SOFC. The cell was investigated electrochemically, it was observed by an infrared cam and the outlet gas was analysed by mass spectroscopy. An endurance test of 500 h for the coupled system demonstrated a good stability. Numerous EIS and analysis and polarizations curves were carried out during the endurance test. The catalyst of the chemical processor was post analysed showing an amenable amount of carbon, whereas the discharged cell showed an increase of particle size of Ni particles, promoted by the frequent polarization curves carried out up to short circuit. A similar test carried out under practical conditions with a large area SOFC demonstrated an electrical efficiency of about 30%.