(PI Neal P. Sullivan, Co-PI Robert J. Kee, funded by the Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy)

Figure 1: Illustration of the Separated Anode Experiment.

Figure 1: Illustration of the Separated Anode Experiment. The Separated Anode Experiment (SAE) has been developed to decouple anode reforming and gas transport processes from electrochemical processes. A single channel of an SOFC is simulated by sealing an anode between two ceramic manifolds into which flow channels have been machined. The assembly is placed within a furnace and heated to SOFC operating temperatures (600°C - 800°C). Gases representative of hydrocarbon fuel streams are fed into the “fuel channel”. The “electrolyte channel” is fed with gas mixtures representative of the products of electrochemistry (H2O and CO2). Gases from the fuel and electrolyte channels are free to cross-diffuse through the porous anode and participate in internal-reforming reactions. Exhaust gas compositions are measured with a mass spectrometer and are indicative of gas transport and internal-reforming activity. Results from experimentation are compared with model predictions.

Our method of study enables focus on the internal-reforming and gas-transport processes underway in SOFC anodes. In addition to advancing our fundamental knowledge about internal reforming, the Separated Anode Experiment provides a performance comparison between current and next-generation anode materials and architectures, and can serve as a design tool for optimization of anode morphology. The effort is led by Ph.D. student Amy Richards at the Colorado Fuel Cell Center.

Gas Transport and Internal-Reforming Chemistry in Novel Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell Anodes and Structures