Liquids-to-Power Using Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) operating at high temperatures (>800 °C) have been overlooked in the past for automotive applications, primarily due to their longer start-up times and inability to load follow (quickly respond to varying power demands). However, lower operating temperature SOFCs (LT-SOFCs) enable more rapid start-up and several other benefits. The rapid deployment of cost-effective LT-SOFC technology for automotive applications relies on the utilization of conventional ‘‘drop-in’’ fuels (e. g., gasoline, diesel, ethanol etc.), that adapts the existing fuel distribution infrastructure. In particular, the liquid-fed LT-SOFCs have the potential to deliver higher “well-to-wheels” fuel conversion efficiencies than H2-fed fuel cells as well as take advantage of the higher fuel energy density. Therefore, this review focuses on the benefits/challenges of low-temperature SOFCs (350–650 °C) running on liquid fuels. The critical role of anodes and requirements/status of advanced anode materials for the direct utilization of liquid fuels in LT-SOFCs are highlighted.