Development of improved anodes in solid oxide fuel cells for conversion of synthesis gas from thermo-chemical gasification of biomass
Chemical and Thermal Process Engineering
Synthesis and Properties of Functional Materials
Final Report Abstract
A promising approach for highly efficient, carbon neutral and decentralized power generation from solid biomass is the coupling of a thermal biomass gasifier with solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), since the biomass gasifier can be operated with a variety of feedstocks and the SOFC can operate with all major gas components of the syngas. However, the gasification process produces biogenic by-products that can damage the cell. Previous approaches have involved the complete removal of these substances, which increases the complexity and cost of the overall system, as well as the amount of waste material. The SynSOFC 2 project focused on investigating solid oxide cell (SOC) materials' chemical and electrochemical interaction with syngas contaminants, particularly tars. The goal was to enhance SOC resilience by evaluating new materials for stability against poisoning. Chemical tolerances (WP1a) were investigated with the newly developed anode material test-rig, analyzing real-time gas reactions, catalytic activity, and producing samples for post-mortem investigations. Electrochemical investigations (WP1b) studied Ni-8YSZ-supported cells with different fuel electrodes, revealing varying robustness and carbon depositions at different operational conditions. The utilization of a gadolinium-doped ceria electrode did not increase the robustness at internal reforming conditions. A new modular 5x5 cm² cell housing was developed. Anode development (WP2a) explored interdiffusion when replacing yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) with gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC), emphasizing a barrier layer's role. Development of ceramic anodes (CA) investigated these materials for exsolved metal catalyst nanoparticles, uncovering potential issues with phase stability. Stack tests (WP3) addressed challenges in coupling an SOFC short stack with an entrained flow gasifier for stable operation. Post-mortem analysis (WP4) highlighted severe degradation in Ni-8YSZ material in poison reactor tests. Overall, the project provided insights into addressing degradation challenges, exploring new materials, and understanding degradation mechanisms, contributing to the advancement of solid oxide cell technology.
Publications
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Flexible and Modular Fully Metallic Housing Concept for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells. ECS Transactions, 103(1), 1817-1826.
Steinrücken, Benjamin; Herrmann, Stephan; Hauck, Maximilian & Spliethoff, Hartmut
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“Coupling a SOFC Short Stack with an Entrained Flow Gasifier"; Conference Poster at EFCF 2022
B. Steinrücken; S. Herrmann; M. Hauck; P. Johne; P. Leuter; A. Ewald; L. Pusterhofer; A. Schwiers; C. Lenser; N. H. Menzler & H. Spliethoff
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Experimental Investigation of Naphthalene Induced Degradation of Reversible Solid Oxide Cells Operated on Bio-Syngas. ECS Transactions, 111(6), 1889-1900.
Steinrücken, Benjamin; Herrmann, Stephan; Feigl, Karsten; Schwiers, Alexander; Lenser, Christian; Menzler, Norbert H. & Spliethoff, Hartmut
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Interdiffusion at electrochemical interfaces between yttria-stabilized zirconia and doped ceria. Journal of the European Ceramic Society, 43(14), 6189-6199.
Schwiers, Alexander; Lenser, Christian; Guillon, Olivier & Menzler, Norbert H.
