Effects of activity and deactivation of NiYSZ SOFC anodes on thermal profiles during internal reforming of methane

James J. Strohm, David L. King, Xianqin Wang, Prabhakar Singh, Kurt Recknagle, Yong Wang

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

One of the advantages of internal reforming is improved thermal management by directly coupling the exothermic electrochemical oxidation with the endothermic steam reforming of hydrocarbons. Significant differences in the rates of oxidation and reforming can lead to the development of thermal gradients across the anode plate that can compromise the physical integrity of the cell. The purpose of this study is to directly measure the thermal gradient created during internal reforming of methane with relation to the inherent activity and deactivation behavior of NiYSZ anodes. The current study shows that the endotherm will migrate down the anode plate until a stable thermal profile is achieved. This migration can be related to the sintering behavior of both bulk-Ni and Ni crystallites (evolved from the YSZ). During testing of an anode plate, steam and hydrogen treatments are not sufficient to fully stabilize the activity of the NiYSZ by sintering. Evidence from thermal profiles, activity testing, Ni surface area analysis, and TEM imaging suggests that methane reforming may have a significant role in the evolution and subsequent sintering of Ni crystallites leading to a stable structure.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publication234th ACS National Meeting, Abstracts of Scientific Papers
StatePublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes
Event234th ACS National Meeting - Boston, MA, United States
Duration: Aug 19 2007Aug 23 2007

Publication series

NameACS National Meeting Book of Abstracts
ISSN (Print)0065-7727

Other

Other234th ACS National Meeting
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityBoston, MA
Period8/19/078/23/07

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Chemistry
  • General Chemical Engineering

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