Power generation from flat-tube solid oxide fuel cells by direct internal dry reforming of methanol: A route for simultaneous utilization of CO2 and biofuels

Abstract

Dry reforming of liquid alcohols coupled with solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is a promising approach for clean and efficient energy conversion. Herein, the feasibility of power generation from flat-tube SOFCs with direct internal dry reforming of methanol has been studied. The effects of CO2/MeOH ratio, temperature, and current density on cell performance and long-term durability were investigated. Higher CO2/MeOH ratios reduced the power density, but suppressed carbon deposition and enhanced long-term durability. A cell was operated stably over 500 h with a constant current density of 200 mA/cm2 under CO2/MeOH = 1 and 2 at 750 °C. In addition to stable power generation, simultaneous syngas production and reduction in CO2 emissions were achieved. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidated the possible pathways for methanol dry reforming and mechanism of carbon removal. Our experimental and simulation results provide insights into the direct utilization of methanol in SOFCs using dry reforming.